Our next group will be forming this Spring 2024 from April 12-June 7th (skipping week of 5/17)
Mothering Arts Circle
community supported postpartum Group
“The most difficult part of birth is the first year afterwards. It is the year of travail – when the soul of a woman must birth the mother inside her. It is a private and silent birth of the soul, but it is no less holy than the event of childbirth, perhaps it is even more sacred.
”
As a psychotherapist and mother I have many times found myself shouting into what feels like a barren and echoless chasm searching for the guiding-wisdom, supportive community, and integral resources that are in such short supply for mamas these days. MotheringArts aims to fill this hollow rift.
MotheringArts is part of a revillaging movement that is dedicated to spinning an interwoven web of sisterhood, knotting nets of community care, and tethering us to elemental postpartum traditions. Within the comforting hum of community and fortifying pulse of earthen ways we remember what it is to be fully alive in our power as mothers and wise women.
In our weekly group you will be connected with local caregivers who offer traditional postpartum practices, physical postpartum healing, and conversations on the specialized care needed in the first year and beyond.
Our classes create space to connect with yourself, with your baby, and with your community while being wrapped in nature’s medicine and magic.
For over ten years our weekly classes have been a place where we bring local resources to you that focus on nurturing the postpartum journey.
What to expect
You will…
Meet local caregivers offering resources and practical tools focused on nourishing your postpartum journey. You receive a mini-class each week from all of the best practitioners focused on tending to parent's and baby's needs in the first year
Learn songs and games to connect with your baby using the language of bonding, respect and delight
Receive support within a sacred circle of sisterhood. In our sharing council we construct a safe and loving cauldron to emotionally release and share personal struggles and triumphs in a courageous, vulnerable, and respectful way
Learn simple nurturing practices to add to your day that will keep you grounded
Get comfortable asking for support
Share in the unseen work of early parenting as we make the profound changes of Mother more visible.
Receive nature nourishment
Enjoy a nutritious organic snack and elixirs especially made for the postpartum season (you will also receive a copy of recipes).
Form community connections and friendships which blossom long after our group ends
Class topics have included:
Baby Massage and the importance of nurturing touch for babies and parents
Mother Warming and Vitality through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine and herbs
Capturing moments of early motherhood with Haiku
Herbal wisdom for baby care and mother rejuvenation
Rehabilitating pelvic floor and core
Staying connected with your partner as a new family
Traditional postpartum practices to recover a birthing body
Expanding community care
Creating a support plan to rest and slow down in the postpartum season
Postpartum nourishment and baby's first foods
Creating simple home rhythms and new family traditions for your family
Show and tell...collaborative wisdom
For Whom
Parents with babies in their first year are warmly welcomed to join!
This is an inclusive environment. We recognize and affirm that not every body that births is female and that not every post-partum parent has given birth.
We welcome you in this tender season of life whether you have a body that has recently birthed, you’re a new parent, you’re a postpartum mother, or you’re an adoptive or foster parent of a newborn.
Our group strives to help you access and develop your web of support.
Together we work to ensure you have everything you need to thrive -- including a flourishing community of care.
*If you are pregnant and interested in joining once your baby is in arms, you are welcome to visit.
When
Every season we gather on Fridays for an 8 week series
Morning Group meets from 10:30-12:30pm
Afternoon Group meets from 1:30-3:30pm
Where
We will gather at a beautiful private property on Occidental Rd, Sebastopol
We will primarily circle up outdoors under the oak
In the rainy season we will meet in a comfortable ventilated indoor space
Cost
8 Week Series Sliding Scale: $325-$450
Sliding scale is available so those mamas who pay extra can offer a little more to those mamas who may need a scholarship to join!
Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities while respecting the work of teachers and creators.
Payments can be sent via:
Venmo: maryjane-covell and Zelle: mjsolarserpent@gmail.com
All payments are due 2 weeks before the beginning of the session.
*payment arrangements can be made for those in need
Contact
MaryJane Covell motheringartsgroup@gmail.com
Please fill out the registration form below to join the list to be notified when enrollment open for future seasons
Copyright credit to Kerry Ingram who lovingly tended to this group for over a decade.
To learn more about how to facilitate a mama and baby group in your own town visit Kerry’s site: https://communitysupportedpostpartum.com/