New Postpartum Support Group for graduate students
Pregnancy can come with a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes, and postpartum can be particularly challenging. That’s why Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is offering a new Postpartum Support Group for graduate students at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ.Ìý
The impacts of birth and postpartumÌý
Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep and mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression, can affect not only the birthing parent, but their partner and family as well.ÌýÌý
In fact, Postpartum Support International estimates that one in five women and one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety for up to a year after a child’s birth. Queer and trans individuals and their families may also be at a higher risk of mental health challenges during this time due to discrimination, stigma, parental rights and conception or adoption complications.Ìý
Postpartum and graduate schoolÌý
Parents and families often feel pressure to adapt to a new identity or role, meet life’s demands and juggle responsibilities at work, home and school.Ìý
For new parents in academia, these challenges can be more pronounced. Sara Bannon, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and licensed social worker with CAPS, has worked with many students who struggle to get more than two or three hours of sleep, have difficulty finding childcare or caring for a sick infant while trying to also focus on coursework.ÌýÌý
The constant push and pull between school responsibilities, parenting and maintaining a sense of well-being may leave little room for self-care or connection with friends and partners for many graduate students.ÌýÌý
Finding supportÌý
Support during this time is critical, not just for emotional and psychological health, but for building a sense of community and connection.Ìý
CAPS has designed their new Postpartum Support Group to help individuals during the first three years after birth. This group offers a supportive space for parents to explore the transition into parenthood, process complex emotions, navigate changes in their roles or relationships, practice self-care and foster more robust support systems.Ìý
In addition to this group, CAPS provides a variety of affinity- and community-building groups to help meet the unique needs of students. They believe in creating spaces where students can find a sense of belonging, foster meaningful connections and find validation through peer connection.Ìý
Current groups at CAPS that are open to graduate students include:Ìý
- Graduate Postpartum Support Group
- Chronic Care Support Group
- Grief Support Group
- BIPOC Student Group
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support Group
- Transgender and Gender Creative Group
- Graduate All-Gender Process Group
- Graduate Women's Process GroupÌý