February Meeting Dates and Tips for Feeling Better

In February, we celebrate Valentine's Day and National Heart Month. Take heart if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and/or depressed. POEM (Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms) is here to help. Plan to attend a support group meeting in February:

10 a.m., Saturday, February 12

or

7 p.m., Tuesday, February 22

Also, show yourself some"love" by trying these 10 tips for feeling better.

1. Let others know what they can do to help. Allow a friend to pick up a few items for you at the grocery store. Let Grandma or an older neighbor who just loves to hold babies come over and rock the baby. If you have other children, seek out play dates and offer to take turns.

2. Screen phone calls. Let the answering machine pick up and/or send all calls to voicemail. Too often, especially during the day and early evening hours, many calls are simply solicitations.

3. Allow yourself a moment to laugh. Rent a comedy or watch cartoons you enjoyed as a child.

4. Eat well. Make readily available healthy choices that are quick and convenient: bananas, pre-cut veggies, nuts and bottled water are a good start.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. When you are tired and stressed, caffeine and/or a good, stiff drink are very tempting, but fight the urge. Try herbal tea or flavored water instead.

6. Take a walk. This is easier said than done, especially during these long, winter months. Nevertheless, consider walking at an indoor shopping mall or local recreation center. And on those rare, yet wonderful, days when the sun is out and the temperatures are moderate, bundle up the baby and you and head outside.

7. Get out of the house. Even when this feels like a chore, push yourself to meet a friend for lunch or vist a local library.

8. Confide in someone you trust. Whether you seek professional support or talk to a trusted friend, discussing your feelings and emotions in a safe environment will help.

9. If on medication, take it as prescribed. If the medication you are taking doesn't seem to be working, ask your health care provider about other options.

10. Cut yourself some slack. Motherhood is daunting, even under ideal circumstances. Celebrate successes, big and small, and know that less than perfect is perfectly okay.

It’s okay to reach out for help.That’s why we’re here. http://www.poemonline.org/

January Meeting Schedule

Columbus Support Group Meetings in January:

Saturday, January 8 at 10am

Tuesday, January 25 at 7pm

Call 614.315.8989 or email amy@poemonline.org for meeting details.

December meetings

Support Group meetings for December:

Saturday, December 11 at 10am

Tuesday, December 28 at 7pm

Call the Support Line, 614-315-8989 or email tonya@poemonline.org for more information.

Next Support Group Meeting

The next POEM Columbus Support Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 7pm at Northwest Counseling Services. Call the Support Line, 614.315.8989 for questions or more information.

THANK YOU to the caller who pointed out the incorrect date in the last post! I just got your message and will call you in the morning.

November Support Group Meetings

POEM Columbus Support Group Meetings for November are scheduled for -

Saturday, November 13 at 10am

Tuesday, November 26 at 7pm

Both meetings are held at Northwest Counseling Services, 1560 Fishinger Rd. Columbus, 43221
CLICK HERE FOR MAP LINK

Call the Support Line, 614-315-8989, with any questions or concerns.

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

I'm not sure why our map & meeting dates aren't showing up right beside here... Until it's fixed, here are our upcoming meeting dates & times for October:

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9 10AM
TUESDAY OCTOBER 26 7PM

We meet at Northwest Counseling Services
1560 Fishinger Rd
Columbus, 43221

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO MAP/DIRECTIONS

Call the Support Line, 614-315-8989, if you have any questions.

OSU recruiting participants for research studies

The Ohio State University Medical Center's Stress and Health in Pregnancy Program is currently recruiting participants for 3 studies. CLICK HERE to learn about this valuable research and see if you qualify to participate!