Pregnancy Support Circles
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Pregnancy support circles are now being hosted by Mama Love Collective!
Mama, I'm sending you a big virtual hug. Being pregnant during a pandemic is not what anyone expected or hoped for and is likely leaving you with more questions than answers.
We've heard from so many of you about the need for community - to share information, reach out for support, and to know that you're not in this alone. So we've gathered an incredible team with decades of experience supporting pregnant women and new moms to create a virtual community for you during this uncertain time. Pregnancy Support Circles are so much more than a support group. In our weekly zoom calls you'll receive feedback and advice on pregnancy concerns, have space to talk about your birth plan, and prepare for life with your new baby. Your facilitator Joan, a birth doula with a mental health background, will lead you through physically, mentally and emotionally preparing for childbirth and life with a newborn and offer practical advice for managing your pregnancy and birth amidst the covid-19 pandemic. |
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We'll also share resources and provide space for continued connection between sessions because so much can happen in a week. You'll get to build your village (even before your baby is born!) and have consistent, experienced support during time of uncertainty and constant change.
Your Facilitator
Joan has spent years supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Joan's work as birth doula and new parent advocate - plus recent births of her own three children - make her an exceptional resource. She is extremely well-connected to the birth community in the Washington, DC area and has collaborated with OBs, hospital-based midwives, and home birth midwives. Learn more about Joan here.
The details
You are welcome to join the circle at any stage of pregnancy. You'll also have the chance to connect with other pregnant women and new moms in our online community - you can connect to others with similar due dates, in nearby neighborhoods, and more.
Dates: Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm
Facilitator: Joan Schaefer
Cost: $120/month (4 weeks) or $300 for 3 months (12 weeks)*
*Scholarships are available! Learn more at Mama Love Collective.
Facilitator: Joan Schaefer
Cost: $120/month (4 weeks) or $300 for 3 months (12 weeks)*
*Scholarships are available! Learn more at Mama Love Collective.
FAQs
Who can join?
We welcome ALL moms and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. The circle is usually a good mix of new and veteran mamas - first-time, second-time or moms with many more children are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 5-8 expecting moms. There will likely be first time moms and moms with other children. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other pregnant women and moms on our online community.
Are all of the participants from the DC area?
Most of the expectant moms in the group are in the DC area but not all. Since we've gone virtual we've had moms join our circles from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and other states.
Where do we meet?
We are currently meeting on zoom due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So you get to call-in from the comfort of your home!
Will I get anything out of this group if it is virtual?
Yes! You'll get to connect with other pregnant people on a weekly basis from the comfort of your own home. We'll share our knowledge of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the ever-changing landscape of doing it all in a pandemic. Plus, you'll start to grow your community even before your baby arrives.
What will we talk about during the sessions?
Each week we'll have time to check-in and talk about the joys and challenges you are facing. There will also be a weekly topic around pregnancy and early postpartum - everything from childbirth education and birth approaches to the impacts of COVID-19 on prenatal visits, hospital policies, other birthing options and more.
When should I join?
The short answer is join when you are ready! You are welcome to join as soon as you know you are pregnant or just a few weeks before your baby's expected due date. Moms join in their first, second, and third trimesters on a rolling basis.
I'm due in 3 weeks, can I still participate?
Absolutely. You can join at any time in pregnancy. If you deliver before your circle membership is up we'll register you for the next Mamas Circle to continue to provide support and build your community.
I'm due in 2 months, should I sign up for 1 months or 3?
You are welcome to register for 1 or 3 months. We know babies are often born before or after their estimated due date so we can work out the details with you as your pregnancy progresses.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
We provide one make-up for each month you purchase in case you have to miss one week. If you select one month you'll have the opportunity to make up one missed session and 3 months, 3 sessions. Make-ups must be used within one month after your current package ends.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, no refunds are available for the Pregnancy Circle. If you have your baby before your month is up we can provide you with a credit that can be used toward a Mamas Circle or Motherhood Circle.
Can I give the Pregnancy Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more baby "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll expand the circle if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future group if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL moms and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. The circle is usually a good mix of new and veteran mamas - first-time, second-time or moms with many more children are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 5-8 expecting moms. There will likely be first time moms and moms with other children. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other pregnant women and moms on our online community.
Are all of the participants from the DC area?
Most of the expectant moms in the group are in the DC area but not all. Since we've gone virtual we've had moms join our circles from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and other states.
Where do we meet?
We are currently meeting on zoom due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So you get to call-in from the comfort of your home!
Will I get anything out of this group if it is virtual?
Yes! You'll get to connect with other pregnant people on a weekly basis from the comfort of your own home. We'll share our knowledge of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the ever-changing landscape of doing it all in a pandemic. Plus, you'll start to grow your community even before your baby arrives.
What will we talk about during the sessions?
Each week we'll have time to check-in and talk about the joys and challenges you are facing. There will also be a weekly topic around pregnancy and early postpartum - everything from childbirth education and birth approaches to the impacts of COVID-19 on prenatal visits, hospital policies, other birthing options and more.
When should I join?
The short answer is join when you are ready! You are welcome to join as soon as you know you are pregnant or just a few weeks before your baby's expected due date. Moms join in their first, second, and third trimesters on a rolling basis.
I'm due in 3 weeks, can I still participate?
Absolutely. You can join at any time in pregnancy. If you deliver before your circle membership is up we'll register you for the next Mamas Circle to continue to provide support and build your community.
I'm due in 2 months, should I sign up for 1 months or 3?
You are welcome to register for 1 or 3 months. We know babies are often born before or after their estimated due date so we can work out the details with you as your pregnancy progresses.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
We provide one make-up for each month you purchase in case you have to miss one week. If you select one month you'll have the opportunity to make up one missed session and 3 months, 3 sessions. Make-ups must be used within one month after your current package ends.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, no refunds are available for the Pregnancy Circle. If you have your baby before your month is up we can provide you with a credit that can be used toward a Mamas Circle or Motherhood Circle.
Can I give the Pregnancy Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more baby "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll expand the circle if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future group if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.