Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments, is offering Baby Bumps, a no-cost virtual support group for pregnant women.

Based in the ROSE (reach out, stay strong, essentials for mothers of newborns) curriculum, Centerstone’s Baby Bumps support group is designed to help pregnant women get connected to resources and social supports while building resiliency and positive coping skills to help reduce postpartum depression and other mental health challenges. In other words, it’s a fun, supportive way to connect with other pregnant women and learn ways to cope with everyday challenges of life.

What: Centerstone Baby Bumps support group

When: First and third Tuesday each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Central).

 Where: Virtually via Zoom

Who: Any pregnant woman looking to connect with other moms and create shared experience, especially during this time when making connections can be difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 Cost: Free

 How to register: Email Healthy.Start@centerstone.org and let them know you want to attend! We will send you all of the details you need, including the Zoom link.

Why you should participate: Most new mothers – up to 80% – experience the “baby blues” within a few days of childbirth. This can include: weeping for no reason, feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or exhausted. This can last a few days to a few weeks. However, some mothers, about 10-15%, have a more difficult time with more intense and longer-lasting concerns. These moms may feel like they cannot take care of their baby in the right way, have difficulty caring for themselves, or feel like a burden to others. Symptoms could include sleep problems, changes in eating, avoiding others, difficulty making decisions, anxiety or fears about the baby, etc.