Mother Reach F.A.Q.

Who is this group for?
The Mother Reach support group is for women who are, feel they are, or might be, experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders anytime during pregnancy and/or within the first year after having a baby.

Do I need to have a diagnosis from my doctor to attend?
No, you do not need a formal diagnosis of any type to attend.

What if I’m not sure if I have a Perinatal Mood disorder?
If you’re feeling anxious, unable to sleep, angry, scared, overwhelmed or a variety of other emotions, come and see if the group is right for you. We will help you connect to other supports in the event that you’re not sure it’s a good fit.

Do I have to register to attend?
Yes, registration is required as spaces are limited. We want to ensure everyone is heard, and everyone has a quality experience. We will provide other community supports until the next available 12-week session.

If I miss a week, can I still come back?
Absolutely. We encourage you to try and attend all group sessions, but if one is missed, we welcome you to come back as soon as you are able.

Do I have to share or talk during group?
Sharing and participation is voluntary. You can share as little or as much as you’d like, wherever you are ready to do so. We will never call upon or directly question individual participants.

What do I do with my child(ren) during the group?
Due to COVID-19, we are currently facilitating this group virtually via Zoom.

Group attendees are strongly encouraged to make use of the childminding services provided during Mother Reach. Childminding happens in our play space, and is led by trained ECE staff. Child-minding staff will contact your group facilitator should your child need you in any way.

Childminding is always encouraged due to the nature of the discussion and emotions that are being shared, making the environment not suitable as infants and young children can pick up on and internalize their parents anxiety and stress.

If you’d like to arrive a few minutes early each week, that will provide you with time to connect with child-minding staff and settle in your babe before you head to group.

Is the information shared in group kept confidential?
Yes. All information shared during the intake process is kept secure and confidential. We ask all attendees to remember that information shared during the group, is also to be kept confidential and that names are never shared with anyone.

Limitations to this confidentiality would occur only should a disclosure of child abuse, harm to self or others. During such time, appropriate agencies and supports (ex: London Mental Health Crisis services, police Children’s Aid Society, family member) would not be contacted without your prior knowledge wherever possible.

Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for you so that you can:

• have a hot cup of coffee, a moment to breathe and some adult conversation

• access resources and information on Perinatal Mood disorders

• connect with other moms having similar experiences

• access peer and professional support

• feel emotionally supported during your pregnancy and postpartum months

• successfully journey through the postpartum adjustment period

• get yourself and child(ren) connected with other community programs and supports

  What happens at the group? A typical session may include:

• introductions of facilitators and new attendees

• individual check-in of attendees in a group setting

• group topic and discussion (guest speaker, attendee requested topic, activity etc)

• time to support each other

• unstructured time to connect with other group members

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact :

• info@childreach.on.ca OR 519-434-3644