Baby Blues: How Social Support Groups Can Help

“Receiving justification that you’re not the only one who is exhausted or whose feet are not the same size after delivering gives clarity to what you’re experiencing,” says John Cunningham, a marriage and family therapist at Mt. Shasta, California.

Social support groups are also significantly beneficial to new parents. “Connecting with other parents in social scenarios or formal support groups provides valuable support,” Cunningham adds. Recognizing that you’re not alone or that your feelings and physical symptoms are understandable and explainable provides comfort, helping mothers and fathers to begin addressing their feelings and develop strong, healthy relationships with their children.

 
SOURCES:

    Carrie Brown, child abuse prevention specialist and mother of two; Denver, Colorado
    Jackie Keller, nutrition and fitness consultant to postpartum celebrities, author of Body After Baby: A Simple, Healthy Plan to Lose Your Baby Weight
    Diane Witt, neuroscientist, National Science Foundation
    Alberto Leonardi, father from manila
    Paul Ramchandani, M.D.; researcher; University of Oxford