Postpartum Support International Connecticut Chapter

Today is PTSD Awareness Day

Did you know that childbirth can be a source of significant trauma? Many mothers experience PTSD due to complications, medical interventions, or unexpected outcomes during birth.

Understanding Birth Trauma:

PTSD Symptoms:
✔️Flashbacks
✔️Nightmares
✔️Severe anxiety
✔️Intrusive thoughts

Impact: Can affect bonding with the baby and overall mental health
You Are Not Alone:
It’s important to acknowledge and address these feelings.
Reach out for support—whether it's a friend, a therapist, or a support group.
Healing is possible, and you deserve the care and understanding.
Let’s raise awareness and support mothers who are silently struggling. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Together, we can break the stigma and provide the compassion and care every mother deserves.

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate individual to volunteer as our Treasurer for PSI-CT.

If you can add and subtract, have a heart for helping moms, this might be the perfect fit for you!

Why Volunteer with Us?
⭐️Make a meaningful impact on maternal mental health
⭐️Use your skills to support a cause you care about
⭐️Be part of a supportive and passionate team

If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our website www.psictchapter.com for more details.

Let’s work together to make a difference!

Location update!

We wanted to let our community know there has been an update on one of the groups she have shared about on our website and in our newsletter.

Strong as a Mother has a FREE Breastfeeding Support Group which will now be located at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown and held at 10am!

Please reach out to Lauren with any questions!

Our 2024 Official Charities are already off and running toward goals at the Eversource Hartford Marathon in October! Please consider joining their efforts or donating to a cause that moves you:
For All Ages - Premier Charity
Achilles International- CT Chapter - Gold Charity
Silver Charities:
Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter
Anchor Health
Chrysalis Center, Inc.
Connecticut Children's Foundation
CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Donate Life Connecticut
Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut
Habitat for Humanity North Central CT
Hospital for Special Care
Joe Andruzzi Foundation
Jordan Porco Foundation
Megan Schulman Foundation
Postpartum Support International Connecticut Chapter
Ron Foley Foundation
The Salvation Army - Greater Hartford Area Services
SUN Scholars Inc.
The Riley Farm Rescue
Tighed Together
Urban League of Greater Hartford
Learn more at https://bit.ly/3KGjFSk

🌟 Join our team! The Connecticut Chapter of Postpartum Support International needs a volunteer for the Board of Directors as our treasurer. Don't worry if you lack experience - we provide guidance! Know someone who might be interested? Share this opportunity and apply via the link below!


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIu2s-A0SvHa00DiiimAtR3L5JeRlJghOwlC4TdWnZuLfjlQ/viewform?mc_cid=f63b9d7a8f&mc_eid=8a80fa5571

Please join us on June 21st with Team Lower Fairfield County in the annual Maternal Mental Health fundraiser, "The Climb".

The Climb is the largest international event for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Together we are building a community and raising funds and awareness to support the mental health of all new families. Operated by Postpartum Support International.

If you have any questions or would like to know more information, please visit Team Lower Fairfield County's page: https://www.facebook.com/gr

or sign up today!
https://give.postpartum.net/team/571711

🏃‍♀️🌟 Exciting News! 🌟🏃‍♂️

We are thrilled to announce that sign ups for running in the Hartford Marathon have started for this year, proudly representing PSI-CT (Postpartum Support International Connecticut Chapter)! 🎽✨

This marathon is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and support for mental health, particularly for new and expecting parents who may be struggling. 🤰💪

Join us on this journey! Whether you’re running, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting our cause, together we can make a difference. 🫶

Let’s make every step count! 🏅💙

https://register.hakuapp.com/?event=a28883db42ae31bbfdde&promoter_name=postpartum-support-international-connecticut®istration_type=application&pro=16737

Let's talk about something important: Menstrual Hygiene Day is today, May 28th! Menstrual health and periods are a natural part of life yet many individuals across the world don't have access to resources and face stigma. By educating ourselves and others, we can destigmatize menstrual health and ensure everyone has the knowledge and resources they need. Proper hygiene not only promotes physical health but also empowers individuals to feel confident and comfortable during their menstrual cycle. Join me in spreading awareness this Menstrual Hygiene Day. Together, we can make a difference and work together to create a world where menstruation is met with understanding, support, and access to essential products.

🩸🌺

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new PSI-CT Support Group for Support Group Facilitators leading groups on the topic of all things Mama's! 🎉

Being a facilitator is incredibly rewarding, but we know it can also be challenging. This group is designed to provide a safe space for facilitators to:

✅ Share experiences
✅ Exchange best practices
✅ Receive peer support
✅ Gain valuable insights

Whether you're new to facilitation or a seasoned pro, this support group is here to help you grow, connect, and thrive. Join us in fostering a community of compassion and collaboration!

📅 First Meeting: June 3rd
⏰ Time: 12:00pm
📍 Location: Zoom (of course)

Let's support those who support others. 💪❤️



For more information and to sign up, visit https://buff.ly/3yuSYgD .

Feel free to share this post with fellow facilitators who might benefit from this opportunity! 🌈✨

Join Team Lower Fairfield County on Friday, June 21 to raise awareness for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders! Join the facebook group of Team Lower Fairfield County if you're interested or have more questions.

We would love to see you there!

The Communications Committee is seeking assistance! This team coordinates and manages our social media platforms, disseminating information about events, resources, articles, quotes, and more. Members of this group regularly communicate with both committee and board members to ensure timely updates on chapter and national news. If you're interested, please contact Sandhya via email at: [email protected]

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there!

Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of mothers everywhere. Whether you're a biological mom, adoptive mom, stepmom, foster mom, fur mom, or mother figure, your impact is immeasurable.

Motherhood comes in many forms, and it's important to honor and uplift all experiences. Whether you're celebrating with your children, remembering a mother figure who has passed, navigating the complexities of infertility, or honoring the choice not to become a mom, know that your journey is valid and worthy of recognition.

No matter what being a mother may mean to you or look like for you, we celebrate you today and every day. Your love, sacrifices, and endless devotion do not go unnoticed.

Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and appreciation. Happy Mother's Day!

We're actively recruiting individuals to join our Fundraising and Events Committee. This team focuses on seeking out, identifying, and pursuing opportunities to raise funds, which may include writing grants, soliciting funds from external donors, and organizing fundraising events. If you're interested, please reach out to the committee chair via email at: [email protected]

One week from today we will be having 2 different Member Mingles!

Please join us in Avon or Middletown on May 10th starting around 8:30. We will grab you a cup of coffee, enjoy some good conversation, and connect with others away from virtual meetings. So grab a friend and come see Jen (in Avon) or Kristen and Jen (in Middletown)!

⭐️You do not need to be a member to come to this event. But you can be!
⭐️You do not need to be a professional in the mental health field. But you can be!
⭐️You do not need to be a mom to attend this event. But you can be!

See you there!

We would love to see 10 donations from PSI-CT friends to donate before 7pm tomorrow!

Who's up for the challenge?!

Some sneak peak pics from today at the Capital. We are honored to join Representative Jai Belton and Representative Jillian Gilchrest and others about the rising need for awareness, policy, and attention to mental health and wellness in Connecticut.

PSI-CT was thrilled to be part of the Second Annual Mental Health and Wellness Day and to recognize May 5, 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Day in Connecticut.

A BIG thank you to Representative Kai Belton and Representative Jillian Gilchrest for all their work towards this initiative.

We're seeking additional support for our volunteer committees! Welcoming new members brings diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to our initiatives. Visit our website for detailed descriptions of the committees we offer. If you find one that resonates with you, reach out to the chairperson with any questions or to express your interest. Whether you can spare a few hours a month or more, please consider volunteering your time with PSI-CT.

www.psictchapter.com/committees

🌸 May is Maternal Mental Health Month! 🌸

Let's shine a light on the emotional well-being of mothers everywhere. This month, we're raising awareness about maternal mental health and the importance of support for moms during the perinatal period and beyond.

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, but it also comes with its challenges. It's okay to not be okay sometimes. Let's break the stigma surrounding maternal mental health struggles and encourage open conversations about self-care, seeking help, and supporting one another.

To all the amazing moms out there: You are not alone. Your mental health matters, and you deserve support and compassion every step of the way. 💕

It's that time of year again! We are hosting our annual One Hope Wine Fundraiser!

10% of all purchases come back to PSI-CT to help us reach achieve our mission to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health challenges for the well-being of families throughout Connecticut.

https://www.onehopewine.com/event/204971

Fundraiser closes June 17th, 2024.

Struggling with infertility can be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience, especially when faced in silence. Many individuals and couples grapple with the emotional and psychological toll of infertility, often navigating feelings of grief, shame, guilt, and inadequacy without the support and understanding of others.

Choosing to keep infertility struggles private can stem from various reasons, including cultural or societal stigma surrounding fertility issues, fear of judgment or scrutiny from others, concerns about privacy, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the experience. However, maintaining silence about infertility can exacerbate feelings of isolation and intensify the emotional burden of the journey.

We see you, and we are here to hear about your journey whenever you are ready.

Second infertility refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a biological child. While some individuals or couples may have no trouble conceiving their first child, they may experience difficulties when trying to have a second child.

Coping with second infertility can be emotionally challenging, as individuals and couples may experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, guilt, or grief. Seeking support from a fertility specialist, counselor, or support group can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the infertility journey.

Infertility Awareness Week is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about infertility, supporting individuals and couples struggling to conceive, and advocating for improved access to infertility treatment and support services. This week-long campaign typically takes place in April and is recognized by various organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and individuals worldwide.

Infertility affects millions of people around the world, impacting individuals and couples of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected in*******se (or six months for women over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

Happy Passover to all celebrating! 🕊️

Wishing you a meaningful and joyous time filled with family, tradition, and reflection. May this festival of freedom bring peace and renewal to your hearts.

🌟 Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌟

This week, we're celebrating YOU - the heart and soul of our organization! Your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts make all the difference in our mission to Postpartum Support International - Connecticut Chapter.

To each and every one of our incredible volunteers: THANK YOU! Your commitment to serving our community is truly inspiring. Whether you're lending a helping hand at events, spreading awareness, or providing support behind the scenes, your contributions do not go unnoticed.

This past year you've continued to show up with unwavering enthusiasm and resilience. Your generosity knows no bounds, and we are endlessly grateful for everything you do.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact of volunteerism and the power of coming together to create positive change. Your selflessness embodies the spirit of community, and we are honored to have you as part of our team.

Here's to our incredible volunteers - today, and every day. You are the true superheroes!

We are looking for trainings from any of you amazing professionals surrounding the Perinatal Mental Health world. PSI-CT would love to highlight you in our monthly newsletter!

Right now we are looking for May and June trainings to share with out community.
Feel free to DM us here or email Carol Ann at [email protected] with any questions.

This coming Monday!

PSI and Climate Psychology Alliance North America Member, Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Climate Activist Merritt Juliano, J.D., LCSW leads a discussion with authors of The Conceivable Future.

Registration is required.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdemupzspHNOLFdsiue1eV1Z8jFwhjX46 #/registration