Emotional Well-Being After Baby Group - Every Thursday   

Experiencing postpartum blues? Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet parents often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Parents experiencing anxiety or depression, or who are feeling overwhelmed in the postpartum year, can come together for this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories, learn from each other, and receive coping skills strategies. This is an ongoing group for parents of babies 0-12 months.

EWAB is currently meeting via Zoom every Thursday, 9:30-11AM. This group is also meeting in person on the 3rd Thursday of each month on a drop-in basis, at First Connections in Acton. Before attending for the first time, or to obtain more info on connecting to the group please contact the facilitator, Heather O'Brien, LICSW at hobrien@jri.org

New Mothers Group - Wednesdays 1-2:30  

Any mother with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this weekly support group. Open-discussion format is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. No registration required. Facilitated by a certified lactation counselor or consultant, however parents using bottles for feeding are welcome!

This group is currently meeting in a hybrid schedule.  Email Mary at: mbeilman@jri.org for the link and password if it's your first group, then you will automatically receive it each week. 

NEW!!  The group will meet in person one Wednesday per month at Littleton Library. To RSVP for the in-person option, email lmatthews@jri.org. Upcoming dates are: Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 8, Dec. 6

Parent & Family Consultations - by appointment

First Connections' professional staff provide one-on-one consultations for parents who have questions or concerns about postpartum adjustment, infant development, breastfeeding, or sibling-adjustment issues. Meetings most often take place virtually but can be arranged in person, in our office or outdoors.  This service is available to residents of Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Hanscom Air Force Base, Littleton, Lincoln, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford.

First Connections is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program with primary funding from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.  With additional support from generous individuals and organizations, First Connections' wide range of family services are offered at no charge.  

Additional support for our fiscal year 2024 programs and services comes from: 
     Nordblom Family Foundation
     Emerson Health Determination of Need Community Health Initiative
     Sudbury Foundation
     Concord Carlisle Community Chest
     Schrafft Charitable Trust
     Acton Boxborough United Way
     Acton Congregational Church
     Trinitarian Congregational Church

This work is also made possible by donations from local families and individuals.