Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Support
Holding Space
Postpartum Support Virginia PMADs support group
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a range of mental health illnesses and complications affecting 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. Mental health experts feel this number may be higher, since many go undiagnosed.
Holding Space is a free, monthly group hosted at the MyBirth studio in Scott’s Addition. It is a safe community for new mothers and birth parents to process their new role and to get support and resources. It is lead by Sara Krivanec, certified birth doula and Courtney Woodburn, LCSW. Sara and Courtney have both personally experienced PMADs as new mothers.
85% of birthing people will get the baby blues, which is a normal hormonal adjustment. Another 15-20% will continue to feel depressed, fearful or anxious. This is the most common complication of pregnancy and you are not alone.
Are you having trouble sleeping, even when your baby rests? Having scary thoughts? Feeling rage? Missing or grieving your former self or relationships? Are thoughts coming back from your birth that feel traumatic and leave you feeling sad and confused?
Know that these feelings are temporary. You will get well. At Holding Space, we want to support you through listening, answering questions, making wellness plans and referring to outside resources of support. When we “hold the space” we meet you were you are, you are seen and heard. We will walk with you on your journey to feeling like yourself again.
Held in-person at the MyBirth studio on the first Wednesday of every month from 10am-11:30am
MyBirth: 1726 Altamont Ave Suite 4 Richmond, VA 23226
Contact Sara or Courtney with any questions. holdingspacerva@gmail.com