This D.C.-area group helps new moms find their village
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A new D.C.-area group is creating community between moms navigating the newborn era.
Why it matters: Having a social network postpartum can help moms' mental health.
State of play: Mom League launched in Alexandria this August, and now also hosts series in Arlington and Tysons.
How it works: The $375, eight-week program brings a small group of moms and babies ages 0-12 weeks together once a week at venues like Barre3 and Be Hive Wellness.
- The sessions are facilitated by perinatal mental health professionals who lead group chats about topics like returning to work, relationship changes and mental health.
Plus: Expect convos with experts including lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists and infant development pros.
- And on the last day, all the moms get a photoshoot with their little ones.
What they're saying: Many people move to the D.C. area for work and don't have family nearby, so it's "a game changer" to have a group like this while navigating parenthood, says Cara Hewitt, one of D.C. Mom League's co-leads. (The group is based out of North Carolina, and has branches in several states.)
- Mom League demand has been so high that the group has expanded into general mom meetups at Alexandria spots like Gustave's.
- "It just demonstrates the need," says Hewitt. "[Moms want] that real life, in-person connection and support."
Between the lines: The group is open to all kinds of families and moms, says Hewitt, like adoptive parents, same-sex couples, or those who had their baby via surrogate.
What we're watching: Expect to see more classes launch in Loudoun County and the District by early next year, says Hewitt.