SECOND TIME MOMS GROUPS

Eight-week series for mothers of two

Did you and your family recently welcome your second child? Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with other second time parents while bonding with your new little one?

Second Time Mom groups are a wonderful way to connect with other parents of two and have protected weekly time for self-care and bonding with your newborn. This group is a supportive environment for parents to connect and share openly about the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a bigger family.

Each session includes weekly readings and related discussions on a range of topics, including:

• Self-care for second-time parents

• Bonding with your new baby as a seasoned parent

• Supporting your older child in the transition to becoming a big brother/sister

• Setting the stage for positive sibling dynamics between your children

• Marriage/Partnerships after babies 

UPCOMING SERIES DATES:

As past participants attest, the community built and the support and advice shared in the group is invaluable and hard to replicate at a later time past the fourth trimester. It is our feeling that in times of uncertainty (and increasing anxiety and isolation) we need community more than ever.

Spring 2024: Thursdays, March 21-May 16 (one week will be skipped either 4/11 or 4/18), 8-week series, 1:30-3pm in Glen Park with Rebecca Walsh REGISTER HERE

Summer 2024: Tuesdays, June 18-July 30, 1:30pm-3pm in Glen Park with Alexis Buckley, $270, 7 classes REGISTER HERE

Fall 2024: Thursdays, August 29-October 17, 1:30-3pm in Golden Gate Park with Rebecca Walsh, $300 REGISTER HERE Please note that when registering for a baby not born yet, our registration system doesn’t allow due dates, so just register with their birthday as today’s date.

Moms in our recent groups said:

• “I just wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for your second time mom's group I did with you last fall. I got so much out of it at the time, and now that my girls are 9 months and 3 years old I continue to see the positive ripple effects from the foundation you and the group helped me lay early on.

  You helped me set up their relationship in a really beautiful way. They get along so well and I don't feel like their relationship is competitive at all. There have been many times when I would have perpetuated some dynamic I was exposed to in my childhood, but because of your group was able to approach the situation more consciously and chose another way.

  Some of the things I learned from that group that have continued to stick with me are giving my youngest a voice of her own, having language around "I can't let anyone hurt her just like I can't let anyone hurt you,” having compassion for my oldest and the frustrations that come with having a younger sibling, and how to lovingly and artfully approach my oldest wanting to act like a baby. There honestly hasn't been a week that's gone by that I haven't thought about the group, the themes we discussed, and your facilitation!

  I thought that it would just be a nice group to find connection in my postpartum time, but it far exceeded my expectations. I left the group feeling so empowered, resourced, and confident in my ability to helping my family adjust to the change. I truly look forward to the time I can take your third time mom's group!”

  “This group was THE BEST THING when I welcomed #2 in the world- I highly recommend! I met some of the most interesting mamas in this city and we were all going through the same thing with our toddlers/households at the same time. It was great.” Jennifer

  “I feel this is a special group, and it is the HIGHLIGHT of my week getting to see you all.  It's so nice to have a scheduled social time right now, and I like that I force myself to make it to the class even when there are a million things going on, because I always leave feeling so much better.”
  “Now more than ever it’s so important to connect with other moms in our community. New mothers, regardless of whether it’s their first, second or third child, need the support of other women facing the same challenges. This group has provided me with much needed emotional support during this time as well as tactical strategies for managing two children under the age of two. I look forward to our Wednesday zoom calls and hope that in the future we will be able to connect in person!” Stephanie

  “The second time Mom’s group with Evelyn has been a much needed resource. Evelyn is a kind, supportive, funny, and real instructor who just gets it. I’ve learned a lot about myself and felt supported along the way. I appreciate being a part of a group of Moms who are all unique, caring, thoughtful, interesting women. I look forward to meeting with them in the future and staying in touch. We are especially bonded through this difficult time.” Jenifer
  
  ”I've been so grateful for the support of Evelyn and my second time mom's group over the last 8 weeks! There are unique challenges to balancing two and it was really valuable to  share the experience with others in the exact same place! I'm sorry we haven't had the chance to meet in person yet but do feel connected to my group members and hope we will have the chance to continue our dialogue and meet in the future!" 
  
  ”Joining Early Childhood Matters’ Second Time Moms group with Evelyn was one of the best things I did for self care this round (and my kiddos). I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety after my first kid and really wanted to prepare for a different outcome this time. Social support is key and I found an incredible group of thoughtful, intelligent and open moms in this group. Evelyn also created a setting In her home that was warm and welcoming. She shares so many insights from research and her personal experience as a mom of three. I felt I didn’t have to overdue it with reading and preparing because this group provided key things to think about and a wealth of knowledge. Our group is still in touch over group text and it has been a huge source of support during covid19 and navigating work and childcare stressors. Evelyn’s teaching style and balance of topics and discussion made this a really unique experience of both a support/social group and a class. My kids and me (and my husband) are better from it!”

  Email kellam@earlychildhoodmatters.org for more info.

  Third Time Parenting Series: More info here.

  Cost is $280 for 8-week series and $245 for the 7-week series.

If you are interested in a group that doesn’t have a registration link yet or is after the dates listed above, please email kellam@earlychildhoodmatters.org to be put on our notifications list.

Also, check out our virtual Introducing the Sibling class here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Second Time Moms group meet? How long are the meetings?

Each Second Time Moms group meets once weekly for eight consecutive weeks. The weekly meetings are 90 minutes long.

Can I bring my baby with me?

YES! This group is intended for parents and their new babies. Weekly meetings include special parent/baby bonding activities and rituals that promote healthy attachment and brain development in your new little one.

How old should my baby be when I join?

Typically, babies are between two weeks and three months old at the start of a Second Time Moms series. However, there is some room for flexibility. If you are wondering which upcoming group will be the best fit for you, please contact us.

Can I bring my older child with me?

We ask that parents find alternate childcare for older siblings during the group. This series is a special time for second-time parents to openly connect with one another in a supportive environment, while also having protected time to bond one-on-one with their new baby.

How much does the series cost? How do I register?

The cost for the eight week series is $280. The seven week series is $245. See above for registration information.

Sick Policy

In the interest of keeping newborns well, if you are sick, please stay at home from the group. If your baby is sick, please stay home with a fever. Little sniffles are OK, but please let the group know. Babies at this age don't carry much risk of spreading germs since they aren't putting anything in their mouths or crawling yet and are staying close to mom, but should stay home if they have had a fever in the last 24 hours or are clearly sick. If you are hosting and someone at your house is ill or has had a fever in the last 24 hours, please let us know and we'll find another host. If the teacher is sick, she will notify the group via email. The group can still meet without her, but we will make up the missed lesson for the class at another time voted on by the group.

Do you offer tuition assistance?

Yes! We are happy to offer sliding scale tuition for our courses on an as-needed basis. Please contact kellam@earlychildhoodmatters.org for more information.