When Michelle became pregnant with her first son, she experienced the typical anxiety of a first-time mom, and living apart from her family made her feel isolated at times. “I didn’t know anyone else having a baby when I was pregnant, and I didn’t have family around for support.”
Thankfully, Michelle’s husband learned of Cope’s support services for parents, and when their son was just a few months old, Michelle started attending Cope’s support group for moms.
At the time, the group was support for moms with babies, and Michelle attended for the first year of her son’s life. Mothers gathered to share in the struggles of caring for their children in the first days of their small lives, talk about the joys, and commiserate about the unique challenges of motherhood. “It was a big relief and very validating to hear other moms going through the same things. I found support and connection with the other moms.”
Eventually, Michelle began to socialize with the other moms outside of group. What began as the occasional playdate morphed into a supportive group of women who could share their parenting struggles, their wins, and help each other through the challenges of parenting.
Michelle says she became particularly close with one of the moms in the group, and they have stayed good friends throughout the years. “We’ve always been sounding boards for each other.” Their kids have become close friends too, sharing in both the wonders and growing pains of childhood and adolescence.
The group of moms has shared in many of their children’s milestones: birthdays, first dates, graduations. They have gone through difficult moments together and shared in their successes.
Of her experience in Cope’s mom group, Michelle says she has learned how important it is to build a loving community around you. “Reaching out for support is key. It’s important to connect with people with shared experiences. You don’t feel so alone.”