The Amazing Power of Community
A sense of belonging and community is something we search for from infancy.
Anyone else fantasize about a pregnancy commune? I’m talking living in a nice big Victorian house where all of the pregnant Mamas live together for 9 months. The cupboards are always stocked with delicious homemade snacks, there is a live-in massage therapist, prenatal yoga every morning, and an Olympic size pool. Sign 👏🏾 me 👏🏼 up 👏🏿 For real though, the idea here is having a community of pregnant mothers at your fingertips whenever you need them. We are human beings! Relatability breaks down barriers and invites us to be ourselves- the real version. If all of this is sounding a bit woo-woo, let me hit you with some science:
The Power of Social Support: Fact Check
Boost Your Resilience
Studies show that positive social support can enhance resilience to stress, protecting against trauma-related psychopathology. Translation? You're stronger than you think, especially with your pregnancy squad backing you up!
Slash the Risk
Finding your pregnancy community isn't just fluff – it's hardcore medicine. Receiving community support has been linked to reduced medical morbidity and mortality. Who knew your birth-bestie chats could be lifesaving? In all seriousness, women who have someone to turn to in difficult times experience less physical and mental distress.
Psychiatry, Wake Up Call
Despite the evidence, psychiatry has been slacking on providing effective social support interventions, especially in antenatal care. What was once common practice in the Midwifery model has now fallen victim to the medical monster. ‘Centering’ or group prenatal sessions doesn't quite bring in the same revenue stream 😥. Seriously, can our community get some backup here?
The Neurochemistry of Resilience: Behind the Scenes
Brainy Breakdown
Let's get nerdy for a sec. Overcoming stress isn't just about toughing it out – it's a complex dance of neurochemistry. We're talking about brain systems like the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Total mouthful- I know. Stay with me, Mama.
SNS: The Stress Response MVP
When stress hits, your SNS kicks into high gear, pumping hormones like norepinephrine. Chronic stress can throw this system out of whack, leading to issues like PTSD. No one wants to constantly live on edge, especially while growing a tiny human.
HPA Axis: The Stress Regulator
Meet your body's stress regulator – the HPA axis. It's like the lead guitarist in your stress rock band, releasing hormones like cortisol to keep you on track. But too much stress? That's a concert no one wants to buy tickets to.
Social Support: Your Secret Sauce
What's the Buzz About Social Support?
Social support isn't just about hand-holding – it's a powerhouse of coping mechanisms. Whether it's emotional love or practical help, having a solid support network can make all the difference in pregnancy and postpartum.
Oxytocin: The Love Hormone
Oxytocin always brings feel-good vibes. This hormone courses through our bodies during sex, birth and you guessed it- social bonding. It’s no surprise my clients walk away from our group support sessions feeling seen, heard, and less alone.
The Science of Connection
From reducing heart rate to decreasing blood pressure and curbing cortisol levels, group support works wonders on your body and mind. It's like a virtual hug for your brain.
Birthy Bootcamp: Your Virtual Lifeline
Real Talk, Real Connections
Enough is enough. The evidence doesn’t lie. This is why I have created a virtual haven where moms unite, support each other, and conquer pregnancy like the badass warriors we are. That's Birthy Bootcamp – your lifeline in the digital world!
Science, Sass, and Sisterhood
It's not just about swapping stories (though that's pretty awesome too). Birthy Bootcamp is rooted in evidence, giving you the tools to navigate pregnancy worries and protect your inner peace.
Harness Your Superpower
So, what's the bottom line? The proverbial village means something after all. Group pregnancy support isn't just a nice-to-have, it's your secret sauce in the journey of motherhood. Whether you're craving a listening ear, answers to your burning questions, or a virtual fist bump, Birthy Bootcamp is here to lift you up, cheer you on, and remind you that you're never alone.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the tribe and let's rock this journey together!
ReferencesOzbay, F. (2007, May). Social support and resilience to stress: From neurobiology to clinical practice. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/