Help Families Connect to Peer Support

You empower our ability to connect families to peer support in Southern California and advance our mission.

Who we are
Empowered Postpartum was formed in August 2019 and continues to be organized and facilitated by compassionate volunteers: birth workers and public health student interns:

Bryce Bandfiled, RN
Koko Collado, MA
Karena Dang, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Jasmine Daniel, MA
Julie Garin, MA, CD
Jen Gorospe, BS(c)
Dominique Hagen
Lauren Harvey, MPH, DT
Matt Harvey
Christa Mantey, RD, LDN
Jessica Roush, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Delia Sanchez, MPH(c)
April Tran, BS(c)
Amanda Whiting, RYT

Our mission is to ensure all new families in Southern California have access to support and resources soon after a newborn arrives. We serve all people regardless of gender identity, religious background, financial circumstance and parenting styles. Everyone belongs.

What we do
We provide accessible, complimentary and low-cost peer support groups to meet every parent where they are in their postpartum journey. We serve new moms and dads by offering virtual and outdoor peer support groups. We believe that peer support should be accessible and community-funded. No one should have to pay hundreds of dollars to be in community with peers.

We also curate an up-to-date referrals list of professionals in the birth and postpartum world, and we link new parents as needed.

Why we need your help
We've witnessed the Fourth Trimester to be a challenging time for new parents as they may be sleep deprived, struggling financially,  navigating relationships with older children and family members in the household, all while caring for a newborn. And now, with the continued Stay at Home Order in effect for the last 9 months, new parents need support more than ever. We've had participants share that they were unable to birth their newborn without the support of their partner, parents or doula -- no one but the birthing person and medical staff were allowed in the delivery room. Many participants have changed their postpartum care plans since medical providers advised against visitors -- trips have been cancelled, scheduled in-person postpartum support moved into a virtual space. The postpartum period is isolating as it is without the Stay at Home orders, and these parents need our services right now.

In order to continue supporting these parents especially in the time of COVID-19, we offer five complimentary support groups for parents (birthing people + dads) and one low-cost support group for birthing people 0-3 months postpartum. A breakdown of the type of support groups is listed below:

1. Virtual Adjusting to Motherhood: a weekly, complimentary support group open to everyone.
2. Virtual Adjusting to Motherhood for the Working Parent: a monthly, complimentary support group for everyone, especially parents who have returned to work outside of the home
3. Virtual Taking Care of Mama: a low-cost, six-week series specifically for parents 0-3 months postpartum to build community and focus on self-care for the birthing person.
4. Virtual More Than One / Not My First Rodeo: a monthly, complimentary support group for birthing people who have more than one child or expanding their family
5. Virtual Navigating DADhood: a monthly, complimentary support group for dads who are in search of connecting with other dads
6. Outdoor Walk + Talk: a socially-distant walking group for moms living in South Orange County

Where donations will go
$15 = 1 month of technology expenses for our virtual platform for 30-50 parents 
$65 = 1 scholarship for the Taking Care of Mama Online Series
$100 = Curriculum development for supporting parents during COVID-19
$200 = Professional development exchange for our volunteers

What participants are saying about us
Here are a few things that support group participants have said about us:

"Empowered Postpartum provided a place for me when I was newly postpartum and had no idea what I was doing! I have been surrounded by other new moms and found a group where I feel comfortable sharing my journey - even the parts most people don’t talk about in childbirth, postpartum and motherhood. Through the Taking Care of Mama small group I found a family of girlfriends who support and check on one another and are there no matter the time of day. I can’t imagine fulfilling my new role as a mom without this support network." -Maureen N. member since April 2020

"I love being part of a supporting community of new mamas like myself. I learn so much for these women! During the meetings, I get a chance to share what I’m going through that week and ask for help or advice from other mamas. I feel completely uplifted after each meeting." -Mikaila R. member since April 2020

"When you are pregnant you focus on pregnancy and having your baby. I was not prepared for what comes next, especially if you add in a pandemic. Empowered Postpartum saved me and the calls are the highlight of my week. It is a wonderful space to get answers to your questions and to connect with other new mommas going through the same things." Kirsten T. member since March 2020


Gratitude
We would not exist without the strong and brave parents who have shown up each week to talk about the unseen challenges that new parents face, especially in this time. We are so grateful for your support. 


With appreciation,
The Empowered Postpartum Team
empoweredpostpartum.org
Instagram: @empowered.postpartum