It’s important to get social and emotional support in these trying times, so The Birth Center has developed four individual half hour Zoom sessions designed to help you manage the challenges of life that pop up daily. Managing everyday stresses is as important as a nourishing diet and exercise routine. This program will support you in relieving stress and giving you tools, so you can successfully achieve your specific pregnancy, labor and birth goals.

For the fourth trimester, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states; “the weeks following birth are a critical period for a woman and her infant, setting the stage for long-term health and well-being. To optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care should become an ongoing process, rather than a single encounter, with services and support tailored to each woman’s individual needs.” We feel that this group support is critical in helping you navigate some of the challenges that will come up.

While each group session has its own special practices and techniques, they have been organized to bring together a system which supports you in building on your strengths. The group will meet for ½ hour each Monday, starting August 17th, 12:30 PM to 1 PM. There is no charge for this half hour group meeting, which will be virtual. However, if you would like additional support, each facilitator will offer longer sessions for a fee.

Navigation Tools and Techniques 

We can give you the tools and the support you will need to traverse the taxing stresses in your life. But it’s up to you to implement and practice the techniques given to you and each week. Step by step you will discover a new way of navigating your life.

1. September 14th – Mindfulness:  Let your brain breathe! Mindfulness practice has been demonstrated to reduce stress and anxiety associated with pregnancy, improve immune function, decrease risk of postpartum depression, and improve birth outcomes. You will learn simple techniques of mindfulness to help you get through the day. Train your brain to know that your thoughts can block you from enjoying the moment.  Facilitated  by Anna Marie Trotman, RScP. Anna Marie has taught Personal Development classes and Mindfulness for 20 years.  She can be reached at The Birth Center at 302-658-2229 x115.
2. September 21st – Coping Skills: Sometimes you need a little extra love and support to get through a particularly rough day. Gretchen Anderton is facilitating this portion of the weekly group and she brings a gentle loving touch to help you to gain better control over your life and your emotions during pregnancy and into the fourth trimester. Gretchen Anderton, LCSW, PhD specializes in treating postpartum depression and is part of the Integrative Center here at The Birth Center. She is the owner of Aurora Counseling and takes most insurances. She can be reached at 302-514-3800.
3. September 28th – Guided Meditations: Meditation is a simple technique that, if practiced for a few minutes each day, can help control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation. Facilitated by Myrna Moxham, RN.  Myrna is a Hypnotherapist, Brain Wave Technologist & Owner -Brain Works & Mind Matters, LLC, she also a part of the Integrative Center here at The Birth Center.  She can be reached at 302-547-4708
4. October 5th – Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping: The practice consists of tapping with your fingertips on specific meridian points to release the stresses of world event, family pressures, or pregnancy. Facilitated by Peggy Lutes, RN. Peggy specializes in hypnosis, teaches Hynobirthing, hypnosis for fertility and EFT. Peggy has worked at The Birth Center for more than 20 years and is owner of Gentle Healing Hypnosis.  She can be reached at 302-898-2431.

To join the group all you have to do is click on the link and sign up. You will be sent a link for the Zoom meeting each week. Remember, the first session starts Monday August 17th from 12:30 PM  to 1 PM. Your midwife may also give you a script suggesting that you step into a new way to cope with all the stresses that come your way.