Who we are, what we do
A unique 10-week therapeutic postnatal group for new mums and their babies.
Becoming a mum for the first time brings big changes to life and has lots of challenges! That is why Mummyshock aims to provide a supportive space for women to talk, as they begin their journey as new mums, in a secure and friendly environment.
Our goal is to support new mums to grow in confidence and resilience, as they care for their baby-enabling everyone to get the best start.
Mummyshock was co-founded and written by Ellen Baldwin ( Release Counselling and Therapy, Brighton) and Rebecca Mitchell (Take Action Counselling, London), both qualified Counsellors, and launched in Brighton in 2015. Mummyshock is a project of Release Counselling & Therapy for Women in Brighton & Hove, a Registered Charity (No. 1192772).
To date, over 350 new mums and their babies have attended Mummyshock groups in Brighton & Hove.
Ellen Baldwin explains:
"Following my own personal experience of becoming a first-time mum, over 10 years ago, I realised there were lots of parent & baby groups to go to, but very few spaces where I could be really honest about all the changes and feelings I was experiencing. Fortunately, I was seeing a Counsellor at the time, and she would allow me to bring my little newborn to each session (until my newborn became a crawler, and it became too disruptive!)"
"Having emotional support and a safe space to process all of my feelings was so hugely supportive and holding in the early days of becoming a mum, that a few years later, I decided I wanted to offer the same space for other new mums. I teamed up with my colleague Rebecca Mitchell who had a similar vision, and Mummyshock was born!"
What our group has to offer
The weekly group is topic based and information giving, but with plenty of time for discussion and sharing experiences.
The group explores how the challenges and changes new mums are facing can feel huge, but are normal. We talk about birth stories, changes in identity, relationships, bonding & attachment, expectations, mental health, support networks and more- helping new mums feel they are not alone.
There is space for up to 12 women and their pre-crawling infants in each group.
Thanks to external charitable funding, the group is free to attend but donations are welcomed to help us continue beyond the period of funding.
Group dates and times
Face-to-face Group (Fiveways, Brighton)- starting Thursday 27 January - 7 April 2022, 10.15-11.45am (NOW FULL).
Face-to-face Group (Peacehaven)- in partnership with Family Support Work, starting Wednesday 23 February - 4 May 2022, 10.45-12.15pm (NOW FULL).
Face-to-face Group (Central Brighton)- next group starting Tuesday 1 March 2021- 17 May 2022, 10.00-11.30am (NOW FULL).
Face-to-face Group (Central Brighton)- next group starting Tuesday 22 March 2021- 14 June 2022, 12.00-1.30pm (Spaces available).
Face-to-face Group (Clarendon Villas, Hove)- next group starting Thursday 17 March 2021- 2 June 2022, 10.00-11.30am (NOW FULL).
Face-to-face Group (Fiveways, Brighton)- starting Thursday 28 April- 7 July 2022, 10.15-11.45am. (NOW FULL).
Face-to-face Group (West Worthing)- starting Wednesday 18 May- 20 July 2022, 10.30-12.00pm. (Spaces available).
More groups planned for 2022- please enquire.
Please complete our online application form to secure your place. We offer spaces on a first come- first served basis.
“Simply having space to share my experience and recognise that others feel something similar has built my confidence and peace as a new mum.”
Naomi — Group member
“The best thing a new mum could do! It was my saviour. Mummyshock is brilliant!”
Annie — Group member
“I wholeheartedly recommend this group! It was open, honest, supportive, safe, real, confidential and with great moments of connection and humour too! It supported me so much! I met an amazing group of new mums and we’ve all stayed in touch.”
Ali — Group member