Loving Arms Childbirth: Queer Parent Support Group
Join us for a 7-week support circle for LGBTQI+ parents and caregivers of babies ages 0-6 months facilitated by Meg Elliott
Each group meets weekly with the facilitator with the option of a second weekly unfacilitated outing. Each 2-hour session offers a safe space to share, go deep and build meaningful connections as you navigate the tender first months of parenthood. Meg weaves in brief guided meditations and simple rituals to support processing the experience of becoming a parent. Groups explore themes relevant to new parents and dive into the unique challenges and wins that are coming up in our parenting journey. Each circle is a space to use our collective wisdom to support one another in parenting and personal growth. We provide herbal tea and a light brunch (usually bagels, cream cheese, fruit) tailored to your dietary restrictions.
All participants and their families are invited to join Queer Waffles, an ongoing monthly family potluck brunch meetup (actual waffles welcome but not required!).
Meg (she/her) is a Mama of two, and has a background in Psychology, Women’s Studies, Food Justice, and Education. Her first child was in the NICU after surviving a difficult birth that required complex medical intervention. Her second birth was smooth and her child is healthy, but there were many breastfeeding struggles. She has been a Parent Mentor with Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, a Parent Liaison at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, a facilitator of a support group for parents and caregivers of hospitalized children, and is currently and a Health Coach Trainer at UCSF. She is also a Lactation Educator. Meg has a deep passion for supporting parents throughout their parenting journeys, and particularly in the postpartum time.
Kind words about Meg and the group
"I immediately felt at home in Meg’s new parent group. My baby and I felt so warmly welcomed, safe, and supported in this group! I was amazed at how quickly I was able to connect with other parents and babies, and everyone was so kind and empathetic about this uniquely challenging and special time in life. Meg is so skilled at facilitating parent groups, and she holds a loving, non-judgmental space for everyone’s feelings, no matter what they’re going through. She connected us to resources, to each other, and even to some new mindfulness and meditation skills I’ve used a lot since the group (especially during challenging times with my toddler!) I recommend these groups to any new parent - they’re a lifeline during this wild postpartum journey!" -Toby and Baby August
"I was so incredibly lucky to stumble into Meg's new parent group. I was surprised by how isolating of an experience it was to have a baby, and joining this new parent group gave me a community when I needed it the most!" -Allie and Baby Amaya
Upcoming Groups
June 13 - August 1, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (skips July 4th)
September 12 - October 17, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
October 24 - December 19, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location
Loving Arms Birth & Parenting
1260 45th St, Emeryville
Registration
https://LovingArms.as.me/QueerSupport
Cost: $260. Please inquire about our sliding scale
Please be in touch with questions!