Mamas Circles - Newly 2nd & 3rd (or more!) time moms
You can't thrive in motherhood without community.
Support in the early weeks and months with a newborn is essential, and maybe even more so as you welcome your second, third (or more!) baby. Mamas Circles are open, supportive communities where we talk about changing identities, relationships, and how to get through the day (and night) with little ones. A place to be in community with other moms and know you're not in this alone.
Support in the early weeks and months with a newborn is essential, and maybe even more so as you welcome your second, third (or more!) baby. Mamas Circles are open, supportive communities where we talk about changing identities, relationships, and how to get through the day (and night) with little ones. A place to be in community with other moms and know you're not in this alone.
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Connect with other moms who have recently welcomed a new baby into their families. This circle is for moms of a baby under 6 months old and an older child (or children). We'll discuss the unique challenges of the first few months of having a new baby and older sibling(s), how to adapt to all of the changes it's brought into our lives, and support each other through this time!
Gather on a backyard screened-in porch or a cozy indoor playroom with other moms and babies to help get your questions answered, provide space to offer tips to others, and create lasting friendships for you and your little one. All is welcome in this space -- feeding, changing diapers, rocking or bouncing your baby, crying (baby or mom!) and so much more. The connection continues via a private chat channel throughout the week. |
First time moms are invited to join a Mamas Circle. Pregnant? Check out our Pregnancy Circle. Have older children? We'd love to have you in our Parents of Older Babies & Younger Toddlers Circle or a Parenthood Circle.
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My daughter just turned one and I am still in touch with several moms and babies from Mamas Circle. It was a super helpful way to commiserate with and learn from other women, make friends, and become confident in my own parenting, such that I could give advice to other new moms. |
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I felt safe and comfortable sharing the joy and the craziness of being a mother. So many doubts, so many questions... Mamas Circle is the place to find answers and feel better about ourselves. |
Upcoming Mamas Circles for 2nd & 3rd (or more!) time moms:
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Early Winter Circle [WAITLIST]
Dates: Tuesdays December 3, 10, 17 and January 7, 14, 21 Time: 11:00am-12:30pm Facilitator: Elizabeth Hubley Winter Circle Dates: Tuesdays January 28 - March 4, 2025 Time: 11:00am-12:30pm Facilitator: Elizabeth Hubley Early Spring Circle Dates: Tuesdays March 11 - April 22 (no meeting April 15) Time: 11:00am-12:30pm Facilitator: Elizabeth Hubley Late Spring Circle Dates: Tuesdays April 29 - June 3 Time: 11:00am-12:30pm Facilitator: Elizabeth Hubley Additional circles will be announced throughout the year. Complete the form below and select "future session " to be the first to know when registration opens. |
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Cost:
We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $250 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the circle at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $250 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the circle at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
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Location:
Circles are held in-person in Silver Spring, MD near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. If it is above 65 degrees, we'll meet outdoors and below 65 degrees in an indoor playroom with a high quality air purifier. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. Participants may also attend virtually. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
Health Policy:
To attend in-person moms must be fully vaccinated. If participants have any symptoms of illness (Covid-19 or otherwise), have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, or have tested positive yourself, they are required to join on zoom. Participants can, of course, join on zoom for any other reason as well.
To attend in-person moms must be fully vaccinated. If participants have any symptoms of illness (Covid-19 or otherwise), have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, or have tested positive yourself, they are required to join on zoom. Participants can, of course, join on zoom for any other reason as well.
Mamas Circles start throughout the year. If you are interested in a future circle, please submit the form below and we'll be in touch to confirm your interest and include you in our next circle.
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Pre-crawling babies are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the circle.
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Pre-crawling babies are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the circle.
Clicking submit will send us your registration and take you to the payment page. If you are registering for a group with a waitlist or a group that has not yet been scheduled, please skip payment and we will reach out to you with more information soon.
Mamas Circle FAQ
Who can join?
Mamas Circles are open to anyone who identifies as a mom. We embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Mamas Circle is open to any mom with a newborn to pre-crawling baby and Parenthood Circles are open to parents with young children. If you are pregnant please join our Pregnancy Circle. The groups are all usually a good mix of new and veteran mamas - first-time, second-time or moms with many more children are welcome.
What if I didn't give birth?
All moms are welcome! Our circles are open to any mom with a new baby in your life. We've welcomed people who've become mothers through birth, your partner giving birth, surrogacy, adoption, or another means,
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 6-10 moms. Many are on maternity leave some will likely have decided to take additional time off work or transition to working part time. There will be first time moms and moms with other children. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other moms on our online community.
When should I join?
The short answer is join when you are ready! The youngest baby to join Mamas Circle was just 5 days old but most babies are 1-4 months old. Since this group is run in 6-week sessions you should find one starting around the time you are looking for.
What if my baby isn't vaccinated yet?
Many people join before their baby is 2 months old (and receive the 2-month vaccines). We ask that the moms be vaccinated to prevent the spread of illness and that anyone who is sick stay home and attend on zoom.
What if I need to feed my baby or change their diaper during the session?
All baby-related tasks are welcome! There is comfortable seating where you can feed your baby and we have a nursing pillow and other small cushions available to support you in bottle or breastfeeding. We also have space to change diapers and to stand up and rock/bounce your baby if needed. Many of the babies will cry and need to be fed and changed, so you'll be in good company!
My baby is 6 months old. Is it too late to join?
Mamas Circle is designed for moms and their newborn to pre-crawling babies (most babies are 0-4 months old). If you have an older baby or toddler please join a Circle for Parents of Older Babies or a Parenthood Circle.
Where do we meet?
We are currently offering circles in-person on a well-ventilated screen porch and, during the colder months, in a playroom with a high quality air filter, in Silver Spring, MD. Please note, we require participants to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person circles, otherwise you can join the circle via zoom.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What makes Mamas Circle different from other moms groups?
Mamas Circle is a community and its content is truly mom-inspired. By not having a strict curriculum we have ample time each week to talk about what you need most - whether its help with baby's sleep, the changing relationship with your spouse, how to find time for yourself, or something else entirely. Mamas Circle is the beginning of lasting friendships that continue well beyond the session with play dates, family gatherings, and more.
Why should I join?
Having a new baby is a big adjustment. Whether it's your first or fifth child, each baby brings its own joys and challenges to you and your family and it's important to have a supportive community of moms going through it. Many moms look back as their babies grow and wonder how they would have done it without the wonderful women they meet with each week (and beyond).
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have moms just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to. Mamas Circles are closed after the second meeting of the session.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Mamas Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more baby "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll expand the circle if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future group if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.
Mamas Circles are open to anyone who identifies as a mom. We embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Mamas Circle is open to any mom with a newborn to pre-crawling baby and Parenthood Circles are open to parents with young children. If you are pregnant please join our Pregnancy Circle. The groups are all usually a good mix of new and veteran mamas - first-time, second-time or moms with many more children are welcome.
What if I didn't give birth?
All moms are welcome! Our circles are open to any mom with a new baby in your life. We've welcomed people who've become mothers through birth, your partner giving birth, surrogacy, adoption, or another means,
How many people will be in my circle? What will they be like?
Each circle will have between 6-10 moms. Many are on maternity leave some will likely have decided to take additional time off work or transition to working part time. There will be first time moms and moms with other children. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with other moms on our online community.
When should I join?
The short answer is join when you are ready! The youngest baby to join Mamas Circle was just 5 days old but most babies are 1-4 months old. Since this group is run in 6-week sessions you should find one starting around the time you are looking for.
What if my baby isn't vaccinated yet?
Many people join before their baby is 2 months old (and receive the 2-month vaccines). We ask that the moms be vaccinated to prevent the spread of illness and that anyone who is sick stay home and attend on zoom.
What if I need to feed my baby or change their diaper during the session?
All baby-related tasks are welcome! There is comfortable seating where you can feed your baby and we have a nursing pillow and other small cushions available to support you in bottle or breastfeeding. We also have space to change diapers and to stand up and rock/bounce your baby if needed. Many of the babies will cry and need to be fed and changed, so you'll be in good company!
My baby is 6 months old. Is it too late to join?
Mamas Circle is designed for moms and their newborn to pre-crawling babies (most babies are 0-4 months old). If you have an older baby or toddler please join a Circle for Parents of Older Babies or a Parenthood Circle.
Where do we meet?
We are currently offering circles in-person on a well-ventilated screen porch and, during the colder months, in a playroom with a high quality air filter, in Silver Spring, MD. Please note, we require participants to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person circles, otherwise you can join the circle via zoom.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all mama-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What makes Mamas Circle different from other moms groups?
Mamas Circle is a community and its content is truly mom-inspired. By not having a strict curriculum we have ample time each week to talk about what you need most - whether its help with baby's sleep, the changing relationship with your spouse, how to find time for yourself, or something else entirely. Mamas Circle is the beginning of lasting friendships that continue well beyond the session with play dates, family gatherings, and more.
Why should I join?
Having a new baby is a big adjustment. Whether it's your first or fifth child, each baby brings its own joys and challenges to you and your family and it's important to have a supportive community of moms going through it. Many moms look back as their babies grow and wonder how they would have done it without the wonderful women they meet with each week (and beyond).
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have moms just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to. Mamas Circles are closed after the second meeting of the session.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Mamas Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more baby "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll expand the circle if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future group if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.