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New Arts-Focused Support Group Aims to Give Park Slope Moms 'Calm'

 A new arts-focused support group for new and expectant moms is starting up in Park Slope.
A new arts-focused support group for new and expectant moms is starting up in Park Slope.
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PARK SLOPE — A new support group starting up in Park Slope aims to give new moms a sympathetic ear — and perhaps a paint brush — to help sort through their feelings.

The new support group, for both pregnant women and moms who've given birth, will use creative activities such as sewing, collage and clay projects to help women process the experience of motherhood, said co-facilitator Cheryl Walpole, a licensed creative arts therapist.

“It’s using art as a way to relieve stress, help process anxiety, and also for processing relationships with partners, career and your health," said Walpole, who works at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and runs a private practice for individuals in Park Slope and Williamsburg.

Walpole says she's hoping the mix of first-time and more experienced mothers will provide a supportive atmosphere.

"[Motherhood] is a shared experience that only these women have, and sometimes it's really difficult to share that experience with a partner that's not going through that transition," Walpole said. "Your body is changing, maybe you're stepping down from a job, or moving to a bigger place. There's just so much going on. We hope to provide some sense of calm and support in this crazy time."

The group, called Crossing the Bridge to Motherhood, will meet for six weeks starting Thursday June 27 at 10 a.m., at the Ninth Street entrance to Prospect Park. A $25 donation is suggested for supplies. The session lasts one hour and babies are welcome. The rain date for the first session is July 11.