Behind the Smile

Jenna Miles
May 8
3 min read

You Are Not Alone

The Power of Support Groups for Maternal Mental Health Month

May is Maternal Mental Health Month—a time to shine a light on the emotional and mental challenges that so many moms face yet often feel too ashamed to talk about. Whether you’re in the thick of postpartum anxiety, quietly grappling with depression, or just feeling completely overwhelmed by the daily demands of motherhood, here’s the truth: you are not alone.

One of the most powerful ways to remind yourself of that? Joining a support group.

Why Support Groups Matter

Motherhood can be isolating. You might spend long days (and nights!) with your baby, scrolling through highlight reels on social media, wondering why everyone else seems to have it all together. Here’s the thing: they don’t. And a support group is one of the few places where moms show up with their real stories—the messy, hard, beautiful truths of parenting.

Support groups offer:

Connection: You’ll meet other moms who truly get what you’re going through.
Validation: Hearing others share feelings that mirror your own can be deeply comforting and healing.
Practical Tips: Moms are experts at sharing what works, from sleep strategies to mental health resources.
A Safe Space: These groups are designed to be judgment-free zones, where you can be honest and vulnerable.

The Mental Health Boost

Research shows that social support is a key factor in protecting and improving mental health, especially during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year postpartum).

Being part of a support group can:

Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Help you build coping skills for the ups and downs of motherhood.
Foster a sense of belonging and community.

Sometimes, just hearing the words, “Me too,” can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

What Kinds of Support Groups Are Out There?

There are many different types of maternal mental health support groups, including:

Peer-Led Groups: Facilitated by fellow moms who’ve been through similar challenges.
Therapist-Led Groups: Guided by a mental health professional, often with a focus on specific issues like postpartum depression or anxiety.
Online Communities: Great for moms who can’t make it to in-person meetings or prefer the comfort of connecting from home.
Specialty Groups: For moms facing specific challenges, such as NICU experiences, pregnancy loss, or perinatal OCD.

Whether you're looking for a space to vent, cry, laugh, or simply listen, there’s likely a group out there that fits your needs.

Taking the First Step

Joining a group might feel intimidating at first—many moms worry about what to say or fear they won’t “fit in.” But most moms who take that brave first step say it was one of the best decisions they made for their mental health.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your OB, midwife, or therapist. Many hospitals, community centers, and maternal health organizations also offer free or low-cost groups. And if leaving the house feels impossible right now (we get it!), virtual groups are more accessible than ever.

One option - “Behind the Smile & Beyond the Blur” this Summer

If you’re a postpartum mom with a little one under two, consider joining Behind the Smile & Beyond the Blur, a therapeutic support group designed to help you navigate the challenges of motherhood in a compassionate, safe space.

Details:

When: Summer 2025 – Every other Monday from May 12th to August 18th, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Where: Virtual group (join from wherever you are!)
Cost: $40 per session (some insurances accepted)
Facilitator: Jenna Miles, LPC, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

This 8-session group is all about connection, understanding, and healing with others who truly get it. To learn more or sign up, visit www.milebymilescounseling.com.

This Month—and Every Month—Your Mental Health Matters

Maternal Mental Health Month is a reminder that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your baby. Finding support, especially in the form of a group, can make all the difference in how you feel and function as a mom.

So, if you’ve been feeling alone in your struggles, know that there’s a circle of moms out there, waiting to welcome you with open arms. You deserve to be supported, seen, and heard—this month and always.

You Are Not Alone

The Power of Support Groups for Maternal Mental Health Month

One of the most powerful ways to remind yourself of that? Joining a support group.

Why Support Groups Matter

Support groups offer:

Connection: You’ll meet other moms who truly get what you’re going through.

Validation: Hearing others share feelings that mirror your own can be deeply comforting and healing.

Practical Tips: Moms are experts at sharing what works, from sleep strategies to mental health resources.

A Safe Space: These groups are designed to be judgment-free zones, where you can be honest and vulnerable.

The Mental Health Boost

Research shows that social support is a key factor in protecting and improving mental health, especially during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year postpartum).

Being part of a support group can:

Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Help you build coping skills for the ups and downs of motherhood.

Foster a sense of belonging and community.

Sometimes, just hearing the words, “Me too,” can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

What Kinds of Support Groups Are Out There?

There are many different types of maternal mental health support groups, including:

Peer-Led Groups: Facilitated by fellow moms who’ve been through similar challenges.

Therapist-Led Groups: Guided by a mental health professional, often with a focus on specific issues like postpartum depression or anxiety.

Online Communities: Great for moms who can’t make it to in-person meetings or prefer the comfort of connecting from home.

Specialty Groups: For moms facing specific challenges, such as NICU experiences, pregnancy loss, or perinatal OCD.

Whether you're looking for a space to vent, cry, laugh, or simply listen, there’s likely a group out there that fits your needs.

Taking the First Step

Joining a group might feel intimidating at first—many moms worry about what to say or fear they won’t “fit in.” But most moms who take that brave first step say it was one of the best decisions they made for their mental health.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your OB, midwife, or therapist. Many hospitals, community centers, and maternal health organizations also offer free or low-cost groups. And if leaving the house feels impossible right now (we get it!), virtual groups are more accessible than ever.

One option - “Behind the Smile & Beyond the Blur” this Summer

If you’re a postpartum mom with a little one under two, consider joining Behind the Smile & Beyond the Blur, a therapeutic support group designed to help you navigate the challenges of motherhood in a compassionate, safe space.

Details:

When: Summer 2025 – Every other Monday from May 12th to August 18th, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Where: Virtual group (join from wherever you are!)

Cost: $40 per session (some insurances accepted)

Facilitator: Jenna Miles, LPC, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

This 8-session group is all about connection, understanding, and healing with others who truly get it. To learn more or sign up, visit www.milebymilescounseling.com.

This Month—and Every Month—Your Mental Health Matters

Maternal Mental Health Month is a reminder that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your baby. Finding support, especially in the form of a group, can make all the difference in how you feel and function as a mom.

So, if you’ve been feeling alone in your struggles, know that there’s a circle of moms out there, waiting to welcome you with open arms. You deserve to be supported, seen, and heard—this month and always.

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