Here are some answers to some of the questions we get most often. If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We want to make sure you are finding the information you need to choose the right group for you.
There are so many different types of support groups out there. What is the philosophy or frame of this group?
Jen and Sarah both have backgrounds in perinatal mental health and infant mental health. While we are not holding a therapy group, we will be reflecting together on the ways that our own stories, our values, and our cultures influence the way we show up as parents, whether intentionally or not. Jen and Sarah very much share in the philosophy that with extremely rare exception, there is no one right way to parent, and it is not our job to have answers about what to do, but instead to prompt thinking about how a parent knows what will be right for them and how it feels to them and their baby. So while we will be happy to provide support, ideas, and resources, we will mostly create a space for reflection and sharing.
Our group will also encourage community building and developing a circle of support. On a practical level, we will lay the groundwork for the group to meet up outside the group time. And within the group, we will think together about how, although each group member’s experience is unique, there is a shared and connecting experience of parenting.
Is this group for couples? Should I bring my partner?
The enrollment is for an individual parent, and our enrollees primarily identify as moms. We don’t refer to our groups as “new moms” groups because we want to be inclusive to all parents who may seek support in a group setting, and that may include parents who are non-binary, gender non-conforming, or are non-birthing parents.
Can I bring my baby?
Yes! We welcome pre-crawling babies in our groups, and in fact we expect most participants to bring theirs. Our space has a changing pad, space for tummy time, a boppy pillow, and an exercise ball. Parents are welcome to care for their babies (and themselves, of course!) whenever and however they need to. We absolutely expect babies to cry, fuss, and make lots of other noises during our groups, and that’s ok! And Sarah and Jen both love holding babies if you need to use the bathroom or even just need a little breather.
How many people will be in the group?
Because we know what an emotional and sensitive time this can be for new parents, we aim to keep our groups small. We typically limit our groups to 8 participants, which is small enough to give time and space to each participant and large enough for group members to find opportunities for multiple connections.
What can I expect from each session?
Each of our 6 group sessions will be based loosely on a discussion theme, and we will also seek feedback periodically from the group members about what is important to them to include in our discussions. We will have space for weekly check-ins, broader discussions, and some use of grounding and meditation.
How accessible is the space?
Yama Yoga is located on the ground floor of the building at 2631 Ashby Ave, and there are no stairs to access the studio. There is paid parking in front of the building and free street parking on side streets - and we have found there is usually plenty of parking available. Bus stops are nearby at Ashby and College. The space has an accessible bathroom within the suite.
Our summer group will be held at a different location due to summer camps taking place at Yama Yoga. The exact location will be announced closer to the start date. The options we are considering have some accessibility barriers including the possibility of a step and/or small bathroom. Please feel free to reach out and we can provide additional information.
Will I be the only … POC, single mom, queer person, parent with a disability, second-time parent?
Our groups are full of parents with diverse experiences and backgrounds. That being said, we understand that it can feel isolating to be the only person of a certain community within a group setting. If you are interested in our group, we are happy to think through with you what we can do as facilitators to help you feel comfortable, as well as share what we know about the makeup of the current group.
For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jen and Sarah at EastBayParenting@gmail.com.