We Are Your Village - a nurturing group for new parents to connect

“Imagine you just moved to a foreign country. You have the worst case of jet lag ever. The guidebook you brought, which seemed so comprehensive before you left home, does not tell you everything you need to know. You do not yet speak the language, and everything is confusing. Your spouse or traveling companion either hasn’t come with you or gets to go back home each morning, coming to visit you only at the end of the day. In this new place, the customs are very different. Your natural ways of behaving and interacting are no longer appropriate. Despite the newness of everything, in this particular country you are expected to adapt immediately. But the rhythms of life are different here, and you are constantly sleep-deprived. You miss your old life, where everything was familiar. You miss your friends back home, who only imagine the excitement of your travels and are unable to fully understand the difficulties you describe.
This is what it feels life for many of us when we become [parents]: we find we have entered a strange new world with a language, culture, time zone, and set of customs all its own. Until we become acclimated to this new, seemingly unfathomable territory, we exist in a state of culture shock.”
- Andrea J. Buchanan, from Mother Shock: Tales from the First Year and Beyond—Loving Every (Other) Minute of It
Come find your oasis from this dizzying experience of Parent Shock! We Are Your Village is a weekly drop-in group for new parents to connect, create community and live the truth, power and validation in the phrase “Me, too!”—you are not alone in this journey! We are bringing light to the idea that “no one ever talks about” this stage of blow-outs, worrying, blistered nipples, crying (adults and babies!) and love we’ve never known before. Hosted by two birth and postpartum doulas, Anna, Eleanor and their fellow doulas in the community will lead each week in discussions focused on adjusting to life after baby. We will also feature a monthly “village elder” to bring wisdom, laughs and tips to our group. You’ll engage with lactation consultants, midwives, pediatricians, photographers, make-up artists and other local experts who will share their relevant knowledge base with you and enrich your new parenthood experience. Please bring a blanket to lay your baby on (we'll be hanging out on pillows and rugs on the floor) while we enjoy each other! 
Hosted at HeartGarden (see more at www.heartgardenoakpark.com)!