Enjoying some sunshine...

Nearly 5 years ago, Rebecca and I met over coffee to discuss the difficulties of postpartum depression and finding support. This week we met again over coffee to discuss the future, and potential end of the organization.

As volunteers, we are unable to fully devote the time necessary to promise the services we once provided. We must scale back our services for 2020. This means no support groups and no warm line services. 

We decided to leave the website up and will maintain some social media presence as we each continue to focus on our families, personal progression, and work commitments. 

Our board members supported us through crazy ride and I am so thankful for them.
 
First my co-founder, Rebecca has been the one with the crazy ideas and the first to say why not? Thank you for this crazy ride! Rebecca is a wonderful resource for moms worldwide! She is also working on body positivity, health and wellness blogs and eventually returning to attending births as a Doula and Perinatal Educator. All the while she is homeschooling and doing all the other household nonsense necessary to keep moving forward. 

In the time since founding, we have had four board members welcome five new babies. Parenting is a full time gig, and we are are so grateful for the time they have dedicated to this organization throughout their own parenting journey. Thank you Beth, Crystal, and Emily for coming to so many events and meetings with little squishes in tow! 

Beth continues to serve our country as a reservist and is simply amazing. Crystal has been promoted to the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County and is killing it. Emily has landed an awesome job working from home which allows her to spend more time with her little ones and less time in the Tampa Bay traffic. I cannot thank you enough for your service and level-headedness throughout the past few years!

Dee is booking out her year for birth doula and continues to help moms through their childbearing time as both a birth doula and a hypnobirthing instructor. She is extremly active in the birth community. Her contact information can be found here. 

Dr. Sh'nai Simmons is doing amazing things for families with her husband, Taiwan at Community Victory Family Services. To know this power couple is to know love. Thank you both for your service to The Seventh Mom Project and most importantly to the families you work with.

Maret will continue to work tirelessly for moms and babies. She is the IBCLC of Citrus County and serves on many committees to bring both lactation support and mental health support to families across the state of Florida. 

I am two classes away from beginning my RN program. When I'm not working or spending time with family, I can be found at Camp Gladiator or walking my dog. I am beyond excited to share the GPS Group Peer Support training with the Tampa community next month and will eventually come back to group support when I can provide the attention it deserves. Right now, I have to take care of me and my family.

As we move into a new era, we want to assure you, that you are not alone. Services are available in Tampa  Bay. We have outlined some on our Local Resources page. We also hope that you can see the brightness through the darkness. All of us have experienced mental health struggles surrounding the birth of our children. Some once, some multiple times. However, each of us are continuing to grow and live. I am proud to know the women who have held the umbrella over the years. I am proud of the women and families that have reached out for help. I know in my heart each and every one of you are amazing parents. 

Closing the umbrella and enjoying some sunshine,

​Elizabeth