Starting a family is one of the most profoundly life-altering experiences a person can go through. For new moms, their worlds shift, often in ways they could never imagine. That time is what Abby Dixon is most passionate about. Abby is a Westport-based perinatal mental health specialist who focuses on the pre- and postnatal experience. “My passion is helping moms build a community and support network,” says Abby. She lost her own mom at 26, and navigated having young children in the height of the pandemic. “It highlighted to me how critical support is during this transformative time,” she says.
With her background, she was inspired to launch Joywell, an online pregnancy coaching and maternity concierge service. “I want to help moms and moms-to-be overcome feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, stress, and self-doubt,” she says. “We focus on action plans, built around your existing strengths.” And Abby helps prepare moms for the unexpected— like, say, the challenge of making and maintaining friendships as a new parent. “We work to identify your values pre-baby, and make sure they’re being honored and attended to post-baby,” she says. "This isn’t a birth prep class or a registry checklist. This is a holistic, full-self approach that centers both mother and child."
While Joywell is an online program, Abby will soon bring her services to local, in-person groups where moms can build community together in Fairfield County. She envisions features like on-site lactation support and real-life opportunities for connection, so desperately needed for new parents. It may take a village, but it’s harder to build that village than ever before. Abby and Joywell are here to make it a little less difficult.
For more information or to book services, visit thejoywell.co
“I want to help moms and moms-to-be overcome feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, stress, and self-doubt.”