“At MSM meetings, acceptance is the norm. No one will be surprised. No one is ever critical.”  -- David Miller, M.D., Ph.D., PES Medical Advisor

Each meeting is lead by a trained facilitator; all are mothers who have recovered from a postpartum mood disorder.

Our trained facilitators – many of whom are PMD survivors – lead each meeting. They ensure that each person wishing to speak will be given a chance, and that those participants in need of suggestions or ideas will receive them from other group members.

In addition to a facilitator, each meeting is attended by a medical advisor – a healthcare professional with a practice focused on helping women who are struggling with postpartum mood disorders. Advisors who take turns staffing meetings include a psychiatrist, an OB/Gyn, therapists, a lactation consultant and a pediatric nurse. Medical advisors address general concerns and issues; they do not assess or diagnose illnesses during support group meetings.

Each participant is asked to sign a confidentiality agreement that simply asks her not to share other group members’ experiences outside of the MSM meeting environment. In addition, each participant is asked to fill out a brief evaluation and survey.

Our experience with mothers and PMD shows that recovery is accelerated when women use a combination of treatments – specifically: medication, therapy and group support – to heal from postpartum mood disorders. We can refer you to professionals who understand these illnesses. Please call 919.454.6946 for more information.