The Cedar House Support Group is for mothers experiencing prenatal and postnatal depression. We offer support to mothers by holding free weekly group therapy sessions. The groups provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment where mothers can get together with others who may be feeling similar to themselves and are facilitated by our specialist postnatal depression counsellor, Liz Wise. Liz has extensive experience in facilitating groups, providing counselling and has personal experience of the illness.

We have been running groups in Surrey since 2004 and now also facilitate groups in South West London. Each group provides creche facilities so the mothers can have sometime and focus on themselves. Being in a group with others who understand helps their recovery by normalising feelings and reducing the sense of isolation that postnatal depression can bring.
 
Having a baby is usually a positive experience, society expects parents to feel happy and fulfilled as we welcome a new life into our world. Yet parents have a major readjustment to deal with; the loss of independence, changes in financial status and sometimes changes in relationships. Although we may feel prepared for these changes, having a baby can still be a shock for many parents. 

It is perfectly normal to feel emotional, vulnerable and sensitive after your baby is born. Some mothers may feel confused about their feelings - that they should be feeling overjoyed and instantly in love with their baby. This is not always the case; there are understandable reasons for perhaps feeling not like that. For example you may have had a difficult labour and/or birth, which can leave you feeling exhausted and possibly unfulfilled of prior expectations you had. 

Don’t forget we are not taught how to be mothers; it is something we need to learn for ourselves and at this time of our lives we sometimes need to be mothered and nurtured ourselves.