PHD believes that every woman has the right to be treated with dignity regardless of the pregnancy or parenting challenges she may be faced with. To assist women with these challenges, PHD offers a host of support services to women who have become clients of PHD to empower themselves and their family. Support services are offered in both English and Spanish.
Support Groups
PLÁTICAS –Life Skills group for Spanish Speaking Clients
This support group was created in 2004 to meet the needs of PHD’s growing immigrant Spanish speaking client population. Pláticas, meaning conversation in Spanish, is a psycho-educational support group for PHD’s Spanish speaking clients. The purpose of Pláticas is to assist in acculturation, and to teach life skills in a safe environment while giving participants the opportunity to recognize and share on issues common to the immigrant experience. Conversation plays a critical role in the Hispanic Culture. Without an outlet to talk, women are more susceptible to problems such as depression, isolation and alcoholism. The group meets weekly for six sessions and includes time for sharing and discussion on topics that include having children in America, using the library, saving and checking accounts, jobs searching, nutrition, and child development.
Single Mother Support Group
Single Mother Support Group is an opportunity for women to support and learn from each other as they encounter the challenges of being a single parent. Frequently discussed topics include relationship with the baby’s father, child support, dealing with grandparents, handling future relationships, sexuality, managing child care and career, grief and loss, relationship violence, decision-making, parenting and adoption. Friendships are formed as members exchange ideas, work out problems and plan for their future. The groups meet on a weekly basis.
Family Support Group
Family Support Group gives grandparents the opportunity to learn from and support each other as they face their child’s unplanned pregnancy and parenting choices. The group is offered on an as needed basis, running approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Topics include: shock, anger, helplessness, loss, the role of the grandparent, setting appropriate boundaries, and up-to-date parenting recommendations.
Post Abortion Recovery Group
Individual and couple counseling is available for people experiencing grief and loss as a result of an abortion and is offered in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Clients can talk about their abortion experience, their decision making process, explore its impact on their life, and work through feelings of grief, guilt, anger, and shame.
The Post Abortion Recovery Group is for those who have completed individual counseling and would like to learn from those who share a common experience with an emphasis on healing of the mind, heart and relationships.
Education
Postpartum Depression Presentation
The postpartum depression presentation educates clients on the three types of mood disorders that affect some women during the first year after giving birth- the Baby Blues, Post Partum Depression, and Post Partum Psychosis. Any of these may affect women after delivery whether she is a first time mother or has had previous pregnancies. The symptoms of each disorder are described as are suggestions of how to manage them, and how each is treated. Factors that may place a woman at risk are also explained. Clients are encouraged to talk to their doctors and seek treatment which may include counseling and medication to help manage these time-limited disorders. The Post Partum Depression presentation is a requirement for women working towards a layette from the Baby & Maternity Closet.
Shaken Baby Syndrome PresentationThis presentation is given to pregnant clients, partners, and family members to create awareness of the dangers of shaking a baby or young child. The single greatest risk factor for Shaken Baby Syndrome is a mother who had her child at an early age, especially if she has other children. Another high risk factor for Shaken Baby is Colic. Colic is discussed in detail and gives parents tips on how to best handle a baby who cries a lot and is very difficult to settle. The program teaches the concept of a Parental-Time-out and encourages the slogan” Take a Break-Don’t Shake”. It also discusses how Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable by highlighting the importance of carefully choosing caregivers for a young child. The program serves to educate clients on the signs and symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome as well as the importance of reacting quickly (calling 911) if the client suspects her baby has been shaken.
Parent Enrichment Classes
Parent Enrichment Classes are held once a month in the daytime at PHD in both English and Spanish.
Topics in English include:
- Safety and Your Little One
- Nurturing Your Children by Nurturing Yourself
- Infant Massage
Topics in Spanish include:
- Stimulating Your Baby
- Calming Down Your Infant
- Domestic Violence
- Safety and Your Little One
- Healthy Recipes
- Discipline vs. Abuse
