New mothers in Howard County can meet every Wednesday morning to discuss their highs and lows and learn about community resources. The New Moms Support Group, facilitated by Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center staff members, is offered virtually and in person.

“The new moms group came at a really critical time for me in terms of connecting with other moms and getting external support,” says Erica Towle, of Ellicott City. “I felt a lot of camaraderie, which is exactly what I needed at that time.”

A new group starts every six weeks. The sessions offer postpartum support for new mothers, fostering a sense of community.

Towle participated in the January 2025 session virtually.

“It was really low stress and a nice way to get the support I wanted,” Towle says. I was able to participate while I was pumping. I just turned my camera off and then turned it back on when I was done. It was very convenient, and I liked the flexibility.”

Jennifer Lowry, a clinical health promotions specialist and facilitator of the New Moms Group, says the group is whatever the new moms want it to be.

“It’s a chance for them to get together and talk about what they’re going through,” Lowry says. “They offer each other advice and talk about their highs and lows.”

A speaker is invited to each meeting to share community resources with the new moms. Topics include car seat safety, pelvic floor therapy, navigating the library system and connecting with a maternal mental health therapist.

Lowry says some moms can be timid when they first join the group because they’re unsure what to expect.

“After the first group, you can see that they’re more excited and relieved that they can share what’s been going on,” Lowry says. “The things we go through might not all look the same, but there are so many similarities in what they are going through.”

Now seven months postpartum, Towle says the group helped her feel like she has a better handle on how to balance everything in her life.

“I think the most important thing I learned was that I wasn’t alone,” Towle says. “Everything I was feeling was valid, and everyone else was vulnerable about their struggles while also being proud of their wins. It was honestly really comforting and validating to know other moms were dealing with the same feelings I was. Hearing other people’s stories can make you feel less lonely and can normalize certain things you’re experiencing.”

Judy Templeton, who facilitated the New Moms Group for 18 years, says the group has always had a diverse population of women from many cultures, traditions, ethnicities and ages.

“Their common ground is that they’re filled with anxiety and looking for the comfort of connection as a means of normalizing their concerns,” Templeton says. “I still see moms in the community, and they tell me that the group was a life changer, and they are grateful. I am glad that this is a service that is still offered, as it meets the unique needs of new moms.”

Jessica Clark enjoyed the group so much that she joined after both her pregnancies.

“For me, it helped facilitate connections with people who are in the same boat as I was. It’s nice to have people to talk to who have recently gone through the same things,” says Clark, of Ellicott City.

Clark says the group helped her form real friendships with other moms.

“It’s made motherhood feel a tiny bit less overwhelming. There’s a group chat, so if I have a question, they can answer me,” Clark says. “For example, my second daughter had colic, and I was able to reach out to the other moms and ask about which formulas or medications had worked for them.”

Clark says she encourages anyone who is pregnant to find a new moms group.

“It’s nice to have a time each week to see other adults and feel human again,” Clark says. “It’s a worthwhile group to make connections and build community.”

Learn more about the group.