This free support group for new moms is a gift to parents everywhere

No matter who you are, where you live or how many children you already have, welcoming a new baby is always an adjustment. While a lot of attention is paid to handling the logistics of this adjustment—from deciding how much maternity leave to take or planning the baby’s nursery—the emotional effects of having a new baby are all too often overlooked.

The reality is up to 80% of new mothers experience “baby blues” and an estimated 10 to 20% of mothers have postpartum depression or anxiety. But knowing where to get help and what questions to ask can feel like a challenge in and of itself, which is where a free, expert-led chat from Postpartum Support International come into play.

By taking the pressure out of a one-on-one discussion with an expert and opening up the anonymous support group to 15 women walking through the same situation, Postpartum Support International is opening the gateway to therapy for new parents in need.

Here’s how it works: Check the schedule on PSI’s website to determine what time on Monday the call will be. Then phone in to the chat number and dial the participant code. (When the meeting reaches the capacity of 15 callers, the line will be closed.)

Then there is a roughly one-hour session with a rotating group of mental health experts who can speak to various symptoms, options and resources for postpartum mood disorders. (And because we know that moms aren’t the only ones affected by mood disorders after baby’s arrival, there is a call just for dads on the first Monday of the month.)

Digital talk therapy is also available through PSI on Tuesdays with an online support meeting, which is also moderated by a mental health expert. Or, you can reach out at any time through the 24/7 helpline phone number, 1-800-944-4773, or text number, 503-894-9453.

This isn’t meant to be a replacement for in-person therapy as needed—but is it a great way to take that first step to getting help.

You might also like:

• True life: I had postpartum depression and didn’t realize it
• To the mama battling postpartum depression: You are stronger than you realize
• We need to talk about postpartum rage—and why it happens