​The Mentor Moms Network for Blossom Moms

Blossom CARES. This means we provide:
      Community
      Awareness
      Resources, and
      Emotional
​      Support
One way for us to show we care is through our new program, The Mentor Moms Network for Blossom Moms.
​This FREE program begins mid to late June!

​"Blossom Moms” will receive peer support during the pregnancy and/or postpartum period from trained "Mentor Mom" volunteers.

Peer support* includes listening, understanding, empathy, companionship and friendship. 

For more information, contact mentormoms@blossombirthandfamily.org. 
*Peer support is NOT medical advice nor therapy. This program is not appropriate for moms in crisis or those experiencing thoughts of harming oneself or others. If you need immediate help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text the word HOME to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line, or go to your nearest emergency room. 

How Does this Program Work?

Blossom will match a Mentor Mom with a Blossom Mom. You will communicate however you like: texts, phone calls, video chats or safely distanced in-person meetings.
​
Marnie Levenson (MA, LPCC, PMH-C), a Maternal Mental Health Therapist, is volunteering her time to train Mentor Moms in their mentorship roles and will work with a Blossom staff member who coordinates this program.

Should I Participate in this Program?

If you share Blossom's passion about the importance of community and maternal mental health, then this program is for you! 
  • Are you an experienced mom who remembers what it's like to adapt to the challenges that parenthood brings?
  • Can you remember feeling low, guilty or perhaps depressed while pregnant or after you gave birth?
    Then you might be the Mentor Mom who could be a sounding board for a new or new-again mother who needs unbiased peer support.​
  • Are you an expectant or new mom who is secretly struggling with feelings of sadness, isolation or low self-confidence?
  • Do you have difficulty getting out the door or find it hard to share your feelings with your partner, friends or family because you don't want to worry anyone, or for another known or uncertain reason?
    You may benefit from receiving support from a peer who has had similar feelings. Register to be a recipient Blossom Mom.

Become a Mentor Mom

As a Mentor Mom, you can be that non-judgmental listener for a mom, like the new mom you once were. Be there to support a new or new-again mom, as a caring peer, who understands the changes that women experience when they become mothers. Show a mom she's not alone by listening relating, and reassuring her that her feelings, thoughts and concerns are valid. Know how much it means for her to have someone to text with or talk to. 
These are the steps to become a mentor: 
  1. Fill out a Mentor Mom application and submit. 
    Links will be available here on June 4th.
  2. Once your application is reviewed, we will schedule a phone interview to clarify roles and responsibilities.
  3. You will be notified about your approval status as a Mentor Mom. If approved, you will be offered a Mentor Training session:
     - Pre-recorded webinar & live orientation/training
    -  Emergency protocols
  4. Review and sign the Mentor Mom Network Agreement (emailed to you by June 15).
  5. You will be matched with a Blossom mom and can begin your mentoring relationship!​

Register as a Blossom Mom
Sometimes, it may be easier to share your thoughts and concerns with someone who is not already in your family or friendship circle. You can share your thoughts with another mom--someone who has been there and who shares something in common with you— a favorite activity, an industry you both work in, or someone, like you, who is also new to the Bay Area, to name a few examples. We'll match you with someone who will listen without judgment or bias.
These are the steps to receive support from a Mentor Mom:
  1. ​Fill out a Blossom Mom application and submit.
    Links will be available here on June 10th.
  2. Once your application is reviewed, we will schedule a phone call to get to know you and answer any questions.
  3. Attend an optional orientation, depending on interest levels.
  4. Review and sign the Mentor Mom Network Agreement  (available around June 15)
  5. You will be matched with a Mentor Mom and can begin your peer relationship! ​