Pregnancy & Postpartum Support
Samantha Reaves
PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)
Want to attend an upcoming meeting?
What is peer support?
Peer support occurs when people with shared experiences offer and receive encouragement from one another. Peers connect with others who understand their struggles, offering emotional support and a sense of community. Peer support is non-clinical and does not follow a group therapy model or involve diagnosing. Peer support groups work toward healing and building community. Everyone should leave the group feeling confident that they are not alone. Peer support is only a piece of the puzzle that is someone’s recovery.
Who is the group facilitator?
Samantha Reaves is a 34-year-old mom of two who lives in Winston-Salem, NC. She is a survivor of postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Following the birth of her son George in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samantha was suffering from several undiagnosed perinatal mental health disorders, and during that time, she found Postpartum Support International (PSI). On her path to wellness, which included therapy and medication, PSI’s peer support groups made the most significant difference. Learning that others were experiencing the same challenges and fears made facing these circumstances far less scary and intimidating.
Now, Samantha works for PSIas a communications specialist and volunteers with PSI as a local support coordinator in the Triad. She is still in touch with the women from her original PSI support group.
Samantha is a peer who has made it to the other side of postpartum, holding space for other postpartum moms. Although Samantha is not a therapist, nor a provider, and cannot diagnose, she is certified in perinatal mental health, has received trauma-informed training, and is dedicated to creating a safe space for moms to seek help and connect.
Who can attend the support group?
The peer support group is open to pregnant women, birthing people, and new moms. Whether you are dealing with pregnancy stress, adjusting to parenting, suffering from perinatal (pregnancy through one year postpartum) depression or anxiety, this group is here to offer you support, connection, and resources. You do not need a diagnosis of any kind to attend this group.
If you have experienced birth trauma or pregnancy and/or infant loss, you are welcome to attend, but another group or resource may be more helpful and healing.
What is the structure of this group?
The peer support group is held every two weeks on Tuesday evening from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Water and light snacks are provided. Each group has a maximum of 12 participants, so that, if they wish, everyone has a chance to share. Participants are not required to share beyond a basic introduction. You can choose to simply listen if that feels best.
Each 90-minute group will follow this basic outline:
Group welcome, including basic information on perinatal mental health and a review of the group guidelines.
Personal introductions, including your first name, your child/children’s ages, the city you live in, and what brings you to group.
Open sharing time
Basic guidelines for the group include:
Do not give advice unless it is requested.
Do not share medical advice.
No sub-groups – ex, if a conversation about infant sleep leads to division into sub-groups of co-sleepers vs. anti-co-sleepers, we’ll reroute the conversation. It’s not that we can’t discuss infant sleep, but if these sub-groups begin to form, it works against the connections we’re trying to build together. You can share your own preferences and opinions, but we’re not here to judge each other’s preferences or opinions.
What is said in the group stays in the group.
Do not share specific or detailed intrusive thoughts, as this could trigger someone else.
Do I need to register?
Yes, please register for each group you plan to attend. This group is and will remain free, but it is helpful to know how many participants to expect and to collect basic information submitted on the registration form ahead of time. Registering also ensures that we are under the maximum number of participants.
Where is the group held?
The peer support group is held in the yoga studio on the second floor of Lewisville Wellness Collective (6275 Shallowford Rd. #200, Lewisville, NC, 27023). Lewisville Wellness Collective is located in the Lewisville Roller Mill. Parking is located behind the building and next to The Sparrow’s Nest. The entrance is around the front through the purple door. Meredith Roels, owner of Lewisville Wellness Collective, generously donates the use of the space at no cost as a service to the community. Please do not arrive prior to 7:20 PM, as there is a yoga class before the group begins.
Where can I learn more about postpartum mental health?
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing. PSI provides free peer support services and resources to new moms and families, information and training to providers and professionals, and serves as a bridge to connect help-seeker and provider. Learn more
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Perinatal Mental Health
I have questions not listed here. What should I do?
Please reach out to Samantha via call or text at (321) 412-0273 or via email at: samantha@postpartum.net You can follow Samantha’s blog on Instagram @postpartumoutloud. Group updates will be posted on her instagram account as well.