Nurture & Thrive is dedicated to providing parents in the Waterloo Region with a supportive and compassionate space as they navigate the challenges of perinatal mental health. Our free, peer-led support groups are here to help you feel heard, understood, and less alone in your journey.
Groups meets every Friday at Encompass Health & Wellness, 130 Weber St. W, Suite 202, Kitchener and Echo Wellness Collective, White House, 190 St Andrews St, Cambridge.
About
Our group is open to anyone experiencing symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), challenges with parenting and other challenges that present in the perinatal period, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Intrusive Thoughts or Worries
- And more
We welcome individuals at any stage of their parenting journey, whether you are currently struggling or moving into a phase of recovery and wish to support others. Diagnosis is not required.
Nurture & Thrive Winter Weather Policy ❄️
When the school buses or schools are cancelled, Nurture & Thrive Parent Circle will move virtual.
Those who signed up will receive a meeting link by 9:30 AM.
Kitchener Schedule, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
April 24 – Christina Page, Calling bullshit on bubble baths as the cure for maternal burnout – what actually helps
May 1 – Erica Pisciotto, Infant Craniosacral Therapy
May 8 – Rochelle Kaikai, Perfectionism in Motherhood
May 15 – Pam Lawson, Infant Massage
May 22 – Rachel Brnjas, Parents and their Parts (The Mom Parts Mothod – IFS lens)
May 29 – Sydney Tricand, Rooted in Motherhood, Reconnecting with Who You Are
Cambridge Schedule, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
April 24 – Jenna Wood, Healing After Birth: Grief, Release, and Nervous System Regulation
May 1 – Victoria Munro, Infant Massage for Better Feeding
May 8 – Rose Couse, Chaos to Confident – A Parenting Reset
May 15 – Rhonda Chamberlain, Easing into Exercise Postpartum
May 22 – Tham Nguyen, How to optimize your infant’s brain during the first 18 months
May 29 – Hayley Chenard & Erin Ryan, Setting Realistic & Developmentally Appropriate Expectations around Infant Sleep
What to Expect
Nurture & Thrive offers:
- A safe, nonjudgmental environment to share your experiences.
- Peer support from those who understand the challenges of PMADs.
- A focus on hope and encouragement as you move through recovery.
- An educational component to empower participants with tools and knowledge.
Important Notes
Nurture & Thrive is a peer support group, not a replacement for medical care. We encourage participants to seek medical evaluation, therapy, and additional support as needed.
Facilitators are here to guide discussions and provide resources, but we do not offer medical evaluations or therapeutic counseling.
Regular attendance is encouraged to build connections and foster recovery.
Building a Community of Care
We invite participants to continue attending, offering support to others who are just beginning their journey. Sharing your experience can make a meaningful impact on someone else’s path.
Join Us
If you have any questions or concerns about whether this group is right for you, please reach out to Lisette, [email protected]. We are here to help you find the support you need.
Nurture & Thrive is free, inclusive, and designed to meet you where you are. Together, we can build a community of care and resilience.