Support Groups
We’re the first to say it takes a village. Explore our specialized Support Groups catering to pregnancy and parenthood. You’re not alone — we’ve got you!
Our Services
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Pregnancy Circle
A chance for a small group of pregnant people to gather in community, conversation, support and friendship.
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Vermamas
A monthly support group for anyone who identifies as a mama and is in their first year of motherhood when the program begins.
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Vermamas 2.0
A second iteration designed exclusively for mothers who have recently welcomed another child into their lives.
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NICU Project
Facilitated support groups for families with babies currently in the NICU or who have been discharged in the past few years.
Pregnancy Circle
Pregnancy Circle
Tuesdays | Biweekly | 6:15-7:30PM
Pregnancy Circle is a safe space for pregnant persons to foster connections and seek support.
This series offers laughter, bonding opportunities and fresh and honest perspective on pregnancy and birth-related topics.
Participants should be at least 20 weeks to join.
$190, every other Tuesday for 6 sessions. On the off-weeks, enjoy our Tuesday 5 pm yoga class for FREE as a perk!
This series takes place at our Richmond Wellness studio.
Feel free to bring dinner or snacks!
We recognize that there are many ways to bring a baby into a family and that this pregnancy circle is not inclusive to all soon-to-be-parents. If you are welcoming a baby into the world through surrogacy or adoption, we would love for you to join our community in our free weekly Friday 10AM coffee gatherings at Uncommon Coffee in Essex or in any of our yoga/fitness classes.
Vermamas
VerMamas
First Tuesday of each month | 6 month series
Having a baby transforms our lives in the most amazing, unpredictable, and challenging ways. Even in the best of times, there is not a lot of support during the postpartum period. VerMamas is a safe, supportive space to talk about the realities of motherhood and to navigate the joys, challenges, and big emotions – all while building an incredible community of mamas to journey alongside.
Currently registering for April-September 2024 program
6 month program for $190
Topics include:
What support looks like
Relationships with self, partners, and baby
Sex after baby
Work/life balance, career transitions, and stay-at-home motherhood
Surviving vs. thriving
Body image and body autonomy
Feeding and sleeping
Cultural messages and ideas on motherhood
Parenting philosophies and values
Goals and dreams
VerMamas is for anyone who identifies as a mama and is in their first year of motherhood when the program begins. This group is just for you, please come without your baby. VerMamas is facilitated by Claire Giblin or Marion Pope, LCMHC.
This in-person session takes place at GROW Wellness Center, 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction VT
Vermamas 2.0
VerMamas 2.0: Second Chapter
3rd Thursday of every month beginning April 18 | 6PM-8PM
This empowering 6-month series is crafted to provide a nurturing space for mamas who have welcomed another baby into their family in the past year.
Join a community of like-minded mothers as we delve into the heart of motherhood's second chapter.
Each month, we'll explore different facets of your evolving identity, addressing the profound changes that come with expanding your family. From redefining your roles within the household to understanding the intricate balance of parenting multiple children, this group aims to foster a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
Through shared experiences and expert-led discussions, you'll gain the tools needed to navigate this unique phase of motherhood with confidence.
6 month program for $190
Currently registering for our April-September 2024 program
VerMamas 2.0 takes place at GROW Wellness Center, 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction VT
"Second Chapter Sisters" isn't just a support group; it's a commitment to self-discovery. Discover practical tips on carving out essential 'me time' while still fulfilling your responsibilities. Together, we'll navigate the intricacies of your new reality, offering valuable insights and strategies for maintaining a sense of self amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
NICU MEETUP
The NICU Project
FREE Online NICU Peer Support
Mondays 11:45 am or Tuesdays 2 pm on Zoom
GROW's one-on-one peer support offers online space for current and past NICU families to privately process their experience and have a listening ear. This offering is facilitated by a GROW staff member who has had their child in the NICU and understands the trauma of the experience.
Anyone can join, whether you have a baby currently in the NICU or your child is older. Many find this "check-in" helpful for moments in life that may trigger difficult memories of your NICU experience, such as birthdays, milestones, or discharge anniversaries.
Monthly FREE Baby’s First Massage®
One Sunday/Month, 12:30 pm
53 Railroad St, Richmond VT and online
Baby's First Massage® is a research-based program which provides the tools to bond with your baby, encourage relaxation and release any accumulated stress in their body while offering massage techniques to relieve gas and activate the digestive system.
Baby massage can be helpful in reducing discomfort from teething, congestion and colic while improving muscle tone and circulation. Massage is a means to support a baby's overall health.
Please have a blanket available for your baby.
Monthly playground gatherings
1 weekend/month at local playgrounds, check back in spring for dates.
Many parents of NICU infants report ongoing trauma and the need for connection with other NICU parents beyond the first year. This support and playgroup fills that gap and provides ongoing opportunities for peer support.
As a part of our grant funded 2024 NICU Project, GROW also offers Weekly trauma-informed hospital based facilitated support for NICU families at the University of Vermont Medical Center focusing on activities such as learning infant massage, mindfulness and stress reduction, and peer support.