The Baby Explorers Talking Circle
(Mums of Infants Aged 0-8 Months)
Becoming a mother is exciting, however, it also brings many changes to adjust to and this period can be very challenging. After giving birth, mums will feel a variety of normal emotions such as excitement and joy but also fear, anxiety, sadness and loneliness. This range of feelings is normal, but they should be addressed with empathy and awareness of the situation. We all need community and friendship; we are not meant to mother alone.
A talking circle is a gathering of people facing common issues to share what is troubling them. In this way, they are able to offer support, encouragement, and comfort to the other group members, and receive the same in return. This is a safe place where the participants can get information that is practical, constructive, and helpful. Members will learn more about coping with problems through shared experiences, hearing from others facing similar challenges and this will help to address feelings of loneliness.
At our Baby Explorer Talking Circle, we explore our emotions around birth and motherhood. It is an essential space to discuss the thoughts and feelings that being a new mum brings on a deeper level with an intimate group of peers in a non-judgmental setting and with the guidance of a mental health professional.
The facilitator will always have a topic ready and will propose an easy activity to do together in order to get the discussion started. However, mothers will be the leaders and they will be free to suggest a specific subject they would like to talk about. Depending on the topic of discussion, there might be a small space during which the facilitator will talk about facts and provide more information. Some of the topics that will be discussed are negative emotions, unexpected challenges, isolation and changes in social life, birth experience, partnership balance, coping with body changes, accepting help.
Facilitator: Shani Lustikman M.S.W
Shani Lustikman is a psychotherapist and social worker with more than 12 years of experience as a mental health practitioner. She possesses experience in both individual therapy and group therapy, treating wide range of emotional and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and more.
The Baby Explorers Talking Circle is intended for mums of infants aged 1-8 months old. It is an 8-session programme which gathers once a week (not always consecutively, spaced between September and December – please attached set calendar) on Wednesday mornings from 9:00am to 11:00am.
All moms are welcome and encouraged to come with their babies, but it is not a requirement. Privacy is very important; therefore, the only people present during the sessions will be the moms, their babies and the facilitator. On this basis, pictures for any proposes are prohibited.
Sessions will take place at the Explorers Schools Campus in East Cantonments. Each session will have three parts; 15 minutes of arrival and time to chat, 1.5 hours of the talking circle and 15 minutes debrief and leaving.
We are unable to make up or re-imburse sessions that you miss, but we will make up a group wide session cancelled by Baby Explorers based on date availability.
For further clarification on the programme outline
Please call
+233 25 796 0855