By Meghan Rickwood
“Our family’s experience with Kids Can Fly began in the prenatal course. This course was helpful for both my husband and I in so many ways. The way the instructors covered not just the physical and logistical parts of giving birth, but also (arguably more important) things like building supports, understanding the perspective of your partner, and the many normal challenges that could happen after the baby arrived. We also met a couple having a baby just before us, the same age as us, which was really lovely.
Ten days after my daughter was born, I went to the Parachute Program. I had struggled with depression throughout my pregnancy and wanted to access everything I could to have a more positive postpartum.
The Parachute Program was the most incredible blessing to my daughter and I. It was amazing to have a reason to get out of the house and to connect together through music (we still sing the songs often!). I felt so comfortable with the baby cuddlers giving me a little break from my extremely mom-clinging baby girl. They were all absolute angels. Early on in this group, I met mothers whose babies were nearing the end of the program and it was so helpful to hear their perspective of having gotten through the first year. They were so encouraging and helpful, never judgmental, only kind and compassionate. Jane truly led conversations in an open, honest way that helped me deeply. She spoke of her own experiences, normalized the struggles many of us were facing, and offered helpful advice and perspective. The Parachute Program often shared resources, such as books, helpful articles, community resources, and we even had guests come for specialties like yoga and baby wearing.
It was also at the Parachute Program that I met three other incredible mothers with babies all close in age to my daughter, as well as reconnected with the mom I met in the prenatal program. We began to connect outside of the parachute program, especially once Covid hit and Parachute became an online program. These moms were going through the same things as me at the same time and having that connection truly was life-changing for me. All our Parachute Program babies are now five years old, and we still connect all the time. We are constantly texting each other to check in, share the highs and the challenges of motherhood, ask questions, and support each other in absolutely any way. We meet up for things like walks by the river, park dates, mornings at the beach, and backyard dinners. We also have ‘moms nights’ to ourselves when we can. We do life together and it makes the long days so much better and the good days extra sweet.
Our five families are all connected, all four of the other moms have had second babies so our group gatherings are getting quite large, but it is remarkable how special the connection is between the families. Our kids are so comfortable around each other and all the parents. I am filled with love and complete gratitude every time we are together.
I honestly would have no idea what I would do without these moms, they are my village. Their children are my daughter’s best friends. I will forever be grateful for the connection that Kids Can Fly brought us. It will be a lifelong gift.”
Kids Can Fly and Margot’s Place have teamed up to offer a FREE 6-week prenatal wellness class for pregnant women at higher-than-usual risk of PPD. Ideal candidates are at least 20 weeks pregnant by late February, in their first or second pregnancy, and have risk factors for postpartum depression.
To register, please visit our Prenatal Workshop webpage.
The Parachute Program is a unique program designed to support new mothers during the challenging first year of parenthood. Mothers are invited to bring their babies (ages 0-12 months) to the Parachute Program for interactive music time and meaningful conversations about parenting. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other moms and find a supportive community.
Join us Mondays from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Margot’s Place in St. Andrew’s United Church, 95 Darling Street, Brantford.
Join us on Fridays from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at St. George Public Library, 98 Main Street North, St. George.
Find more information on our Parachute Program page.