Parent, Salinas, CA

My name is Esperanza Ayala and I give my testimony about how much this circle of parents has served me. As far as I’m concerned, it has helped me a lot because there are many things and feelings saved from when we gave birth to our babies and we have not had the opportunity to process the feelings that happen in our lives. For me I thought it was something normal and it is not. It is something important that we should talk about to get it out and be able to vent, but I had not had the opportunity to attend a program like this parent connection. I thank Maria for giving me the opportunity to be part of this circle of parents, thank you.

Maria Chavarria, Facilitator, Salinas, CA

Hello, my name is Maria Chavarria. I am happy to belong to this circle of parent connection. For me it is a very nice experience because it is something new.  It is nice to share with different families and be able to listen to them and share different opinions and for them to know that they are not alone and that someone can listen to their concerns and burdens that they have been carrying for a long time and be able to take them out and that someone listens to them and they feel safe to be able to express themselves. The word that we find as ours is that they are not problems, they are challenges that life gives us. For now that’s all thanks.

Mother, Salinas, CA

I live in Salinas, CA.  I have four adult children. When I was pregnant with my first child I always felt very sad and cried constantly. When my son was born I felt a great physical and emotional change that drastically affected my life. Every day I felt without energy and it was very difficult to get out of bed. After the birth of my son I continued to cry and felt very sad. After my second, third and fourth child arrived, those feelings of sadness and abandonment did not disappear. At that time in Mexico they did not give you information that addressed the issue of postpartum depression nor did we have the opportunity to receive help from qualified people who provided emotional support. Currently living in this country I have the opportunity to participate in these groups that help me understand that there are programs such as family connection that help through family groups where we feel welcomed and listened to. They also have a text message help line that offers support, community resources and information. Thank you.

Parent, Soledad, CA

I like this support group because it takes away my stress and I share my problems and insecurities and at the same time I meet new people. I have also learned new things, for example, to look for things that I like to do to get rid of all the stress that daily life causes and to be able to share without fear of being judged. Thank you for bringing these support groups

Norma Horton, Facilitator, Salinas, CA

Hello, my name is Norma Horton, I am honored to collaborate with the Monterey County Family Connection (PCMC) program as a family specialist.

My mission and participation as a facilitator in this program is to bring comprehensive and inclusive Postpartum Maternal Mental Health services to families in our community by implementing the Moms and Babies Curriculum through interactive circles where anecdotes and life experiences are shared during and after pregnancy confidentially.  In addition, during the circles, meaningful activities are offered where children play, learn and have fun, reinforcing their emotional development.