The Birth Network of Monterey County presents a free community postpartum wellness group on the first Thursday of each month in Pacific Grove.
Postpartum Wellness Group
The Birth Network of Monterey County presents a free community postpartum group in Salinas on the 2nd Friday of every month.
Postpartum Wellness Group
The Birth Network of Monterey County presents a free community postpartum group in Salinas on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
Parents of Children With Disabilities: How and Where to Find Support Systems
All parents experience individual and collective challenges, but often the most demanding tests parents of children with disabilities and neurodivergent children face is feeling alone. Not being able to relate to other parents whose children are thriving by society’s standards or achieving “typical” milestones can be difficult to hear and take an emotional toll. Connecting with other parents whose children have disabilities, even if it’s not the same diagnosis as their child, gives parents support, encouragement, empathy, and resources that lift their spirits and build communities and friendships.
Just as there are different phases in parenting, so are the reasons to seek out support. For example, when a parent receives a diagnosis prenatally, they often feel scared and unsure of the challenges their child may face in life. Years later, a parent may need support in understanding and advocating for their child’s IEP (Individual Education Program). “My husband and I were very scared when we found out our daughter had Down syndrome prenatally. We went online to find support groups to meet other families with Down syndrome children. We found Magic Babies and what I love about this group is you feel supported and comfortable asking questions.” Kori Young shared.
FOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING SUPPORT
1. National Non-Profits & Organizations: Virtual support groups are becoming commonplace in the digital era of ZOOM. Talking with other parents whose children have the same diagnosis can be very enlightening and educational and give insight and support in ways you may not be able to find locally.
These websites often have a plethora of helpful information, from a directory of providers specializing in your child’s disability to online events, seminars, and resource directories. Through the Tourette Association of America, I can attend virtual conferences and webinars for free. The website also has educational resources, ranging from “Educating Classmates About Tourette Syndrome (TS)” to videos about doctor visits, Individual Education Programs (IEP), therapies, medication, and many more topics. An archive library of educational presentations includes medical professionals speaking about medicines and drugs, clinical research, and psychological support.
Many links include school handouts, classroom activities for children to understand the student’s diagnosis, letters to classmates’ parents, and educator training.
The amount of information can feel overwhelming, but national non-profits have customer support and volunteers that can provide specific support for your needs. This includes representatives who can attend IEP or teacher conferences and give training to the schools.
Many national non-profits have summer camps where children and families can learn, play and make lifelong friendships. In addition to having fun with camp activities, many include seminars for parents. These events and camps allow children to make friendships with others with the same diagnosis and find an inclusive community. Perrine Adams and her sons attend Camp George every summer, a family camp through the Tourette Association of America. All of the counselors have Tourette Syndrome, and many were once campers. The Adams family has made lifelong friendships and travels to visit other families throughout the year. It’s a unique support system for her son with Tourette’s and the entire family.
2. Facebook Groups: National and regional chapters have private groups where members can ask questions and coordinate community events (examples include picnics to gather and meet and events to raise awareness).
3. Local Chapters: In October, we featured Magic Babies Monterey County, a support group for families who the magic of Down syndrome has touched. Since its inception in 2012, approximately 100 families have joined, and the family-to-family support group was founded when two mothers came together and wanted to help others.
Parents of children with disabilities and neurodivergent children often seek out those connections or are happy to be someone those struggling can lean on and share experiences with. If you don’t know anyone, ask a school counselor, teacher, medical provider, therapist (such as OT or PT), or your child’s coach. Per HIPAA, they may not be able to give you information at that moment but can ask another parent for permission and introduce you two. I’ve met many mothers this way.
4. One-on-One Support: You’d be surprised how many parents you know have children with disabilities or concerns but don’t have people they feel can relate to. Even if the needs are different, the feelings are often similar. This is not only an opportunity to learn and share the resources you’ve used and the trials and errors you’ve experienced, but it’s an incredible bond when parents can relate to the unique struggles and challenges you face.
“You are not alone” is one of the most powerful phrases you can say to a parent of a child with a disability. Finding support groups or just talking with another parent over a cup of coffee, brings comfort and compassion, often when parents of children with disabilities and neurodivergent children need it the most.
Resources for Parents Seeking Friendship and Support
Almost all of us have been there: you’re at home with a newborn baby not feeling totally sure you know what you’re doing. You call your mom, your sister, and your best friend who lives three states away. It helps but what you really need is another parent who is able to offer the support that is so helpful coming from someone in the same boat as you.
Support groups are the perfect place to meet parents that you immediately have something in common with: a child of similar age or one who may have a developmental delay or medical issue. Not only will you be among peers who are dealing with similar issues, you’re also putting yourself in an environment ripe with possibilities for friendships that will last–for you and your child.
Here are a variety of Monterey County and Santa Cruz County organizations offering classes and groups:
FIRST FIVE MONTEREY COUNTY/ALISAL RESOURCE CENTER
Offering virtual playgroups for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Caregivers can ask questions and discuss developmental learning while enjoying a variety of activities including art, music, and storytime.
1441 Del Monte Avenue, Salinas
(831) 753-5700, www.alisal.org
FIRST FIVE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Parents and caregivers can get as little or as much parenting support as they’d like from trained Triple P practitioners in a number of organizations throughout the county. Triple P services are available in English and Spanish for families with children birth-12 (Core Triple P), families with teens (Teen Triple P), and families with children with special needs (Stepping Stones Triple P). Services include workshops, online programs, individual sessions, group classes, and parenting support.
4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola • (831) 465-2217, www.first5scc.org
NEW PARENT SUPPORT FLEET & FAMILY
The New Parent Support Home Visitation Program (NPSHVP) is a free support service program designed to meet the needs of expectant active-duty military personnel, their spouses, and those families with children under the age of 4. The program was created to provide prenatal and parenting skills education to active-duty service members and their families.
1280 Leahy Road, Monterey • 831-656-3060, monterey.navylifesw.com
THE PARENT’S CENTER
Located at the Salinas Adult School, The Parent Center offers parents and caregivers information to nurture children in a positive, healthy, and loving environment. From pregnancy until your child goes to Kindergarten, the center has classes to support you along the way. Weekly classes offer parents the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics while participating in baby/caregiver activities.
20 Sherwood Place, Salinas • (831) 796-6900, www.salinasuhsd.org
PARENT’S PLACE
Parent’s Place in Pacific Grove provides weekly 2-hour classes that a parent/caregiver and child attend together. Each class is designed for children in a specific age range, allowing for play and discussion suitable for that developmental stage. Weekly classes include age-appropriate activities, circle time, and art exploration. Classes are led by teachers with Adult Education credentials, most with credentials in early childhood development, all are parents themselves and most are former students of the Parents’ Place program. Most classes are during daytime hours but there is one evening group for parents of toddlers that is virtual.
1025 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove • (831) 646-6623, pgadulted.pgusd.org
SPECIAL KIDS CONNECT
Special Kids Connect’s Early Start Family Resource Center offers guidance to parents of children, ages birth to 3 years, who have, or suspect they have developmental delays. Special Kids Connect offers parent-to-parent support for parents who are seeking guidance from someone who has traveled the road they are on and is willing to be a friend and mentor. The organization actively supports and is a participant in a number of parent support groups in Monterey, Salinas, Soledad, and Greenfield.
1900 Garden Road, # 230, Monterey • 831-372-2730, specialkidsconnect.org
Latch Onto Breastfeeding
To win a Breastfeeding Support Package valued at $268, click here.
August was deemed National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in 2004, by the Office of Women’s Health, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose was to empower and encourage mothers to commit to breastfeeding by providing new research that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop health issues such as respiratory illnesses and childhood obesity.
As a mother of two children, with one born earlier this year, I have been so grateful for the support provided by the local community, doctors, and other mothers. Breastfeeding is like a rollercoaster, there are highs and lows and twists and turns, both emotionally and physically. Besides giving birth, it has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life knowing that my body can provide the perfect food to nourish my baby. I am blessed and honored to be able to nurse my children, as I know all moms are not.
Robin Nickerson, a Registered Nurse and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, believes that knowledge is power. She highly suggests taking a class and thinks it will set you up for success when it comes to breastfeeding. CHOMP offers a free two and a half hour “Breastfeeding Success” class which focuses on prenatal preparation, problem prevention and strategies for success. When a problem arises with your breastfeeding journey, Robin encourages you to address it immediately. Many moms struggle longer than they should. She says, “When in doubt, check it out.” For moms who deliver at the CHOMP Family Birth Center, they can continue to see the lactation consultants on staff after discharge. The Monterey Peninsula also has a Lactation Support Warm Line (831-625-4987) open to all local moms who need breastfeeding support.
Tricia Williams, a Registered Nurse, IBCLC and New Parent Support Home Visitor with the Fleet and Family Support Center is another excellent resource for the many military families that are stationed in the Monterey area. Tricia can come into your home, has a scale for weighted feeds and can provide support and resources to new moms. One of the things she likes to point out to moms is the importance of a proper latch. She also advises moms to be aware that weight loss in a newborn is typical, especially if IV fluids were given to the mother or if there was an induction with Pitocin or a cesarean section.
Camilla Miller is an IBCLC who offers breastfeeding support to families on the Monterey Peninsula and is the owner of Monterey Bay Lactation. She also facilitates a support group called “Growing Together” that meets every Friday at 10:00 am at the Monterey Birth and Wellness Center. Camilla said, “I have seen the families that come to Growing Together bond and blossom as they meet their babies needs through breastfeeding and their own needs by supporting each other. Together they have celebrated milestones, gotten through difficulties, shared laughter and tears, and cheered each on. It’s never too early or too late to find a supportive network – our group welcomes your family no matter where you are in your nursing journey.” For more information, visit www.montereybaylactation.com.
The La Leche League of the Monterey Peninsula hosts an online forum on Facebook and also meets monthly and is a peer-to-peer support group. Accredited La Leche League Leaders will also present monthly topics including benefits of breastfeeding, bringing home baby, avoiding difficulties, nutrition, and weaning. Other resources including a lending library, email, phone and online support. Meetings are free, and yearly memberships are optional ($20). Donations are appreciated. More meeting locations and times visit: www.facebook.com/groups/LLLMP/
Natividad Hospital in Salinas offers a Lactation Clinic that offers breastfeeding support to new and expecting mothers, regardless of where the baby was born. They take appointments seven days a week.
The hospital also has a team of six internationally board-certified consultants who offer private, one-on-one consultations for breastfeeding support, including pumping and storing milk.
Breastfeeding is a journey, and it is different for every mom, but one thing that is for sure is that we can all learn from one another.
As always, fed is best, whether it be exclusive breastfeeding, donor breast milk, exclusive pumping, formula or a combination of the above, a happy and fed baby correlates to a happy and healthier mom.
Here are some tips from fellow nursing mothers:
- See an IBCLC in the hospital before you are discharged home to ensure you have a proper latch.
- Set small breastfeeding goals (2 weeks, then one month, then three months, etc.).
- Always have water with you to stay hydrated.
- Be persistent; it will get better!
- Snack on lactation cookies and raw almonds. Local mom, Grace, bakes her homemade lactation cookies, “Seeds of Grace.” They are delicious and help increase supply. Email gslama78@gmail.com to place your order.
- Meet other moms through support groups like La Leche League and local mom’s groups.
Allison Chance is a military spouse and mom to Charlotte, 4, and Hux, 4 months. She is a Realtor and has been lucky to call Florida, Hawaii, and now California home during her family’s military adventure.