Profiles

Several of our other clients are single moms; some have left relationships which became abusive once they were pregnant. These moms have banded together to form a single mom support group, and we are planning our first-ever retreat for single moms in January. It has been so great to see these women support each other in both terminating the relationship with the abusive partner and finding ways to help each other post-partum. One woman said that when she walked into the Center she felt support "oozing out of the walls."

We have been working with a client who is practicing extended breastfeeding and is interested in one day becoming a lactation consultant. Although she is currently homeless, she is very clear that attachment parenting is right for her and her family and is committed to promoting good early bonding and attachment practices with her children. It has been so important to her to connect with other mothers who nurse older babies. She has been meeting with our psychotherapist as well as attending playgroups and La Leche League meetings at the Center.

For many of our clients this is the first time they have been able to experience yoga and massage; needless to say they love it! We have hired a breastfeeding counselor who meets with each client prior to the birth and stays in close contact afterwards, providing them with whatever support they need. Our new moms group gives all women the opportunity to share resources and information, and most importantly to offer support no matter what issues they may be struggling with. Our summer intern has decided to stay on in the fall specifically to offer a group for teen moms; one of her goals is to have the teens either write a paper or do a presentation to other teens in the community about some aspect of holistic birth. We are proud to say that our psychotherapist works closely with women who do not want to be medicated due to post-partum depression; she has had significant success treating women without medication and supporting them in ongoing breastfeeding. She does work with a psychiatrist when it is absolutely necessary, but she also recognizes that many women are concerned about the effects of psychotropic medication on their nurslings. Finally, our Center was recognized by Philadelphia magazine as the "Best of Philly 2006." This is quite an honor and has brought in much more interest and support to our Center.

Letters from of our clients:

I wanted to write you and let you know how grateful I am to the Maternal Wellness Center for all you have been providing for me.   As you know, I am currently going through a divorce and pregnant, and I returned only a month ago from living overseas.  I have no income at the moment and am receiving no help from my soon to be ex.  I had no idea how I was going to pay for birthing classes, let alone classes that would fulfill me and support me in my decision to have a natural birth.  Your center is like an angel to me.  Providing me not only with the valuable education and support of your staff but also the additional massages and yoga opportunities has far exceeded normal generosity.  You have taken much stress off of my shoulders at this time.  I don’t know what I would have done if it weren’t for your services.  Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of it.

Thank so much for your support and the women's group. It is good to go to a place where you feel safe sharing fears and hopes. When I come to your class I feel revived and stronger!!! The program has been very helpful to me and to others, there isn't any program  like this  in the Philadelphia area  and I am so grateful to be part of this beautiful program. Thank you so much for your support! God bless you and the Maternal Wellness Center.