The Circle

The Circle: a postpartum group for when motherhood is not Pinterest perfect. Giving birth, whether it's your first time or your fifth, is about more than just having a baby. It's the birth of a baby, but also the birth of a mother, a father, a family. And let's face it--some births go more smoothly than others. The Circle is not a class, or a workshop or seminar. It is a safe place to come as you are and share the joys and the struggles of becoming a mother. We are all in this together, and we are all about unconditional support and encouragement. Whether your struggle is with + reconciling your ideal labor and birth with the one you actually had, + grieving the reality that exclusive breastfeeding is not happening for you, + sad feelings that won't go away, + intrusive thoughts and anxiety, + a not-so-great support system, + or anything else related to being a new mom, we are here for you, ready to listen and support you any way we can. We will learn about the wide range of emotional changes that can happen after childbirth, practice self-care and relaxation strategies, and connect with other moms in the same boat. The Circle meets twice a month at AustinBorn, on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays from 10-12. Babies are welcome, snacks are provided, and the group is facilitated by Brooke Stage, a postpartum doula and Stephanie Spitzer-Hanks, a birth doula & lactation counselor. There is a $15 drop-in fee, or the opportunity to purchase a multi-visit pass at a reduced rate per session. Frequently Asked Questions: Is this a postpartum depression support group? This group is especially for new moms who are struggling with postpartum mood concerns and/or with the adjustment to motherhood in general. Can I bring my baby to group? Absolutely! Group participants are invited to bring their little ones. Is this a therapy group? While we will certainly learn some therapeutic tools for self-care and stress management, this is not a therapy group. Other questions? Please feel free to call/text/email Brooke (512-569-1787 - brookestagedoula@gmail.com) or Stephanie (512-552-8531 – stephanie@austin-born.com). We’d be happy to answer your questions about the group and/or direct you to other resources in our community.