Program Description: Postpartum Depression Support and Resource Group 

 

Participants: Anyone currently experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) 

Organizations: Therapy Story and My Kota Bear 

Location: Virtual/Remote (via Zoom created by Kota Bear)

Duration: 3 Weeks (90 minutes each per week for 3 weeks) - ENGLISH CLASSES

                2 Weeks (2 hours each per week) for Spanish & Haitian/Creole Classes

Benefits: See the Benefits section listed below

 

About the Support Group: Therapy Story and My Kota Bear (a group within the NJ Postpartum Resource Support Network) are dedicated to addressing the challenges and needs associated with postpartum depression (PPD). Our mission is to improve support systems, educate on the symptoms of postpartum depression and how to address and overcome it with the help and support of resources and health professionals, and enhance the overall well-being of mothers experiencing PPD. 

 

Participants Overview: We are seeking individuals who are or are at risk for personally experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, and need an outlet of support and resources to become better. 

 

Our Goal: Our goal is to support, educate, and improve the health and health behaviors of communities and families in NJ, particularly parents, birthing people, and support persons dealing with perinatal mood disorder (PPMD). 

 

Qualifications: 

• Personal Experience: Does not have to be formally diagnosed with PMDD; the provider can refer to the group if within the postpartum period (within 24 months post-delivery)

• Commitment: You must be willing to commit to attending all sessions for their duration. Cameras MUST be on at all times.

• Respect and Confidentiality: Ability to keep discretion and respect for others' privacy. Approach discussions with sensitivity, understanding that each person’s journey with PPMD is unique. 

 

Benefits, Terms & Conditions: Participants will receive:

• $Free of charge

• An Initial Baby Necessities Bag (valued at $200), which includes diapers, wipes, clothing, and other essential baby items.

• An Additional Two Months of Diapers and Wipes, provided upon completion of all three weeks of the program (Spanish & Haitian/Creole Class is two weeks).

• Participants are responsible for picking up their items by appointment at a Newark, NJ location (details will be provided to confirmed participants). This program offers a supply of diapers in total, designed to provide a supplemental amount to help ease the financial burden of monthly diaper costs.

• (Available to Northern NJ residents only.)

• Note: Those outside of Northern NJ are welcome to attend the program, but will not be eligible for the three-month diaper and wipe supply due to pickup limitations. Instead, they will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card toward baby necessities.

• A 15-30 minute consultation is available with a My Kota Bear representative.

• Support Network:

  • Connect with other individuals who are currently experiencing or have experienced or are at risk for postpartum depression, anxiety, and perinatal mood disorders, as well as support persons who experienced second-hand.

  • Gather details and support on how to overcome the postpartum period with support, tools, and resources to navigate this period of time.

  • Added to the Womb-mates Facebook Group

• Professional Support:  

  • Mental Health Support

  • Emotional Health Support

  • Concrete tools are designed to enhance the postpartum period, and tools for your support system as well

  • Receive a new perspective and education on postpartum emotions, sleep, physical recovery, navigating sense of self, self-care, coping skills, and tools to navigate the future as a parent

• Your Support Person:  (A support person can be a significant other, parent, sibling, friend, etc.)  Attends one session to receive education and awareness regarding signs of postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, resources on what to do next, and how to best support at home.

• Provide valuable insights by sharing your personal journey with postpartum depression or perinatal mood disorder (not mandatory). 

• Highlight the challenges faced, support systems that helped, and gaps in care that need attention. 

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How to Apply: If you are interested in attending, please register.

 

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Registration Deadline: Rolling - Register by the 1st Thursday of the month to be included in the next class.

Contact Information: My Kota Bear, Inc. 1-888-695-6822 or info@mykotabear.com

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Program Terms & Conditions, and Benefits are subject to change without notice.