Stratfield Village mom and therapist Melissa Fairhurst knew specialized care was lacking for moms from personal experience. “I had one 6-week checkup after the birth of my first two children, and it just isn’t enough. I was lucky not to have experienced a mood or anxiety disorder, but I couldn’t help but think how I wouldn’t even know where to begin if I needed to access support.” Wanting to make a difference, Melissa set out to do just that and became a certified perinatal mental health counselor just three weeks before the birth of her third child. “During that training, it became even more evident to me that moms truly do not have enough access to mental health care during and after pregnancy. Becoming a mom is a massive transformation and even in the absence of a mood and anxiety disorder, moms deserve to feel supported throughout this transition.” With the motivation to provide that support and the knowledge to make an impact, MomMe Be Well was born.
MomMe Be Well offers an array of services so that each mom is cared for in a way that is unique to her needs, including 1:1 counseling, virtual group sessions and in-person workshops, all focusing on expecting, postpartum, and early motherhood. Melissa’s personalized approach spotlights each client’s individual needs - offering them the best plan of action, tailored just for them. She notes that some women may benefit from community and connection while some require clinical support. “I believe that moms need to be with other moms to help them to feel bolstered and cared for as they learn to prioritize themselves. I also recognize some moms may need more in-depth, individual support each week to help them feel better in whatever part of their journey they are in. Validation for new moms is so important and to follow that up with practical strategies they can implement in their day to day is incredibly rewarding.”
MomMe Be Well understands that the birth of a baby is the birth of a mother and that each new mom also deserves to be cared for and to learn how to effectively put the focus on her overall wellness, even in the midst of raising little ones. “I think education around what soon-to-be moms may experience is severely lacking. These things must be discussed during pregnancy to prepare mom and her partner. The more we provide education on this, the safer a mom may feel about reaching out.”
Melissa empowers her clients with that knowledge while helping to build the foundation they need. Melissa offers some basic ideas to keep in mind during the journey of early motherhood. Here are some new things to expect when expecting:
- Try to reduce or completely let go of any expectation of what it will look like once baby is here. When we have expectations set too high it can lead to feelings of letdown or failure when those expectations are not met.
- Postpartum is not just six weeks or even just one year. It is as long as you need it to be, and many, many moms do not feel back to themselves for 18+ months.
- Postpartum moms need to connect with other moms who are in a similar season. There is so much power in the village but sometimes creating it can be a challenge so know where to turn to before you enter into this season.
- Know that every phase and stage is TEMPORARY! This will help you move through the moments that feel especially challenging.
- The hardest thing about becoming a mom is becoming a mom! The transition into this season looks so different for all moms, and the transition alone can be very challenging, even if mood and anxiety are not impacted. Know that you deserve to feel supported throughout your entire journey into early motherhood
For the latest on the next in-person mom meet up or to learn more about Melissa follow @mommebe_well on Instagram