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“Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy choice for you and your baby, but so often, it is not easy for new mothers. While we see images and stories of perfectly plump babies and moms comfy and calm in a rocking chair, the reality is that many moms are suffering in silence with pain, confusion, frustration, and guilt. My goal as a lactation counselor is to meet moms early in their breastfeeding journey, ideally during pregnancy, to help them start strong and confident. Then if issues arise, together we can work through common challenges and questions such as pain, milk supply, and latching. My hope is for all mothers to enjoy this beautiful stage of motherhood. I invite our community of prenatal…

Many Mothers is proud to support and promote World Breastfeeding Week. The physical and emotional health benefits of breastfeeding for both moms and babies are powerful for advancing local, regional, and worldwide health, and all mothers deserve support and encouragement to achieve their breastfeeding goals. Research from around the world has shown that breastmilk is the perfect, natural food for babies, and with rare exceptions, all birthing mothers are able to breastfeed their infants. To learn more about the amazing benefits of breastfeeding, visit La Leche League, Office on Women’s Health, and the CDC. *Many Mothers recognizes that breastfeeding and the circumstances around it are very unique and personal. While we encourage and support breastfeeding, we respect any feeding choice. Many Mothers se enorgullece…

“Since racism is a part of all American life that deeply affects mental health, it’s important that African American and Black moms have a safe space to address racial stressors and historical trauma that impact their mental wellness during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. In the coming months, in partnership with the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Empower! Black Futures Community Fund, Many Mothers, and ILE IFE will be hosting a series of gatherings focused on a healing space for Black moms to rest, rejuvenate, have fun, and rediscover their passions.” – Kai Forsley, Executive Director   “Dado que el racismo es una realidad presente en todos los aspectos de la vida en Estados Unidos y afecta profundamente la salud mental, es…

It’s no secret that fathers play an integral role in children’s lives as well as in the lives of their partners. This past Sunday, we celebrated Father’s Day, honoring all the men who have taken on the role of “dad.” However, like motherhood, Many Mothers know it’s not always easy, and that fatherhood comes with its own unique set of challenges. June is also Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, and studies have shown that Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) also impact men. Did you know 1 in 10 new fathers suffer from postpartum depression? Their depressive symptoms spike between 3-6 months postpartum and can be expressed with the increase of substance use; they are more likely to be irritable,…

Many Mothers is a lifeline to families today when kids aren’t raised by a village anymore. We’ve learned how isolating and hard parenthood is, and Many Mothers fills those gaps we so need. I’m so grateful to say I get to volunteer alongside an organization that sustainably assists with all things childhood-related, gives diapers, formula, food, emergency help, and so much more. I always tell people who haven’t heard of Many Mothers that it is not a financially needs-based program because anyone who has a young kid has needs that aren’t being met, and they help. I can’t describe the comfort I get by getting to host some groups for other moms, but also bring my kids and know there’s…

Thank you, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, MolinaCares, and Con Alma Foundation, for investing in maternal mental health!

Esperamos contar con su participación en esta sesión donde podremos compartir experiencias, brindar apoyo mutuo y aprender juntas sobre la maravillosa aventura de la maternidad. Niños son bienvenidos. Fecha: Todos los Miercoles Hora: 5pm-6pm Lugar: The Family Center (4001 Office Ct Dr Suite 207, Santa Fe, NM 87507)

Join Sofia (mom of a 3-year-old and newborn) to come build your village here in Santa Fe by making friends, finding resources, and letting the kids play. Come ready to vent, laugh, and sometimes cry as we discuss the ins and outs of parenthood. Weekly topics might include nutrition, wellness, internet trends for kids, partnership after kids, and so much more! The Village meets every Thursday, 10AM – 11AM at The Many Mothers’ Family Center (4001 Office Court Drive, Suite 207, Santa Fe, NM 87507)

Helping New Mothers at Home April 29, 2024 Keely McDonald and her partner moved to Santa Fe from Rhode Island in August to help take care of her mother. New to the area and six months pregnant, the couple didn’t know anyone, and McDonald was desperate to find community. She searched online and talked with locals — many were recommending the same organization. “I kept hearing Many Mothers, Many Mothers,” she says. McDonald attended a free support group for expecting mothers and caregivers run by the organization, and shortly after reached out and enrolled in their Maternal Support Home Visiting Program. “I felt lonely as a first-time mom without family around,” she says. “I was looking for someone experienced who…

Join us on Saturdays!  Our drop-in yoga class is now for prenatal and postpartum caregivers and pre-walking infants.  Find more great education, support, self-care, and other events for families, caregivers, and volunteers on our calendar.

Did you know that Many Mothers and The Birthing Tree jointly offer a free drop-in session for expecting parents?  Share in the excitement and anxieties of pregnancy every Wednesday from 11am-12pm at The Family Center (at the Many Mothers office building--4001 Office Court Drive, Suite #207, in Santa Fe). Find more great education, support, self-care, and other events for families, caregivers, and volunteers on our calendar.

“Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. At times, parents need additional help. This is where Many Mothers helps fill a void. The Santa Fe-based organization pairs volunteers with moms who need a hand with their infants. “Each mother’s journey is unique and personal, which means that the issues one mother faces will be different than another mother,” said Kai Forsley, Many Mothers executive director. “The beauty of Many Mothers is that we have staff that can work with mothers, caregivers and families to individually assess the goal of each family during the perinatal stage.” When the pandemic began to shut down the world, Many Mothers and its volunteers were determined to make sure…

“Every newborn baby enters the world in the most vulnerable, tender condition. Access to quality prenatal and postnatal care is vital to a mother’s and baby’s health and quality of life. Unfortunately, in New Mexico, too many expecting and new mothers experience maternal and child health complications that can easily be avoided with routine care. Often, the primary contributing factor is the lack of access to health insurance coverage. According to a March of Dimes report, New Mexico has one of the highest uninsured rates of childbearing-age women in the United States. New Mexico faces an unusually higher maternal mortality rate, with a disproportionately greater rate among the Native American population — approximately 20%, despite composing only 11% of the…

“With the move, Many Mothers is evolving from an almost entirely in-home service to also having a gathering place for mothers. “Many Mothers only had about 500 square feet in the old location and now boasts about 2,500 square feet,” Executive Director Kai Forsley said. “This is the next chapter, coming out with a public meeting space for parents working with each other, making connections,” Forsley said.” We are thankful to the Santa Fe New Mexican for this wonderful feature! You can read the full article here.

New Mexico women and children have faced historical challenges around accessing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. These challenges have been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer, Marissa Visscher, our Program Manager, joined MolinaCares and statewide experts to discuss these challenges, as well as solutions and best practices to improve the number of healthy births and babies in New Mexico. View the virtual panel here.