Mom*-to-Mom* Support Group 

A space for immigrant moms*

Being a mom* is wonderful, but it’s also hard. Even more so when you’re living abroad. That's why we’re offering you a safe and caring space to meet other immigrant moms* in Germany, where you can let out feelings, discover coping strategies, and connect to resources.

This virtual support group is especially targeted to mothers* with children from newborn up to school age. We are open to anyone who considers themselves a mother* or primary caretaker regardless of gender identity or family structure.

Whether you are finding motherhood* to be harder than expected, are in search of a support system, or are attending therapy due to symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and are looking for additional support, this group has something for you.

Some topics we’ll cover include:

• Setting boundaries with family members

• The changing relationship with our partners and in-laws

• PMADs

• Navigating our new identity as parents

• Parenting through cultural differences

About our facilitator

The group is facilitated by immigrant mom Alissa Lorentz Arzner. Her role is to facilitate the conversation and ensure the safety of the group.

Alissa grew up in Tokyo but now lives in a slightly smaller town called Waldshut with her German husband and twin daughters. As a half Thai, half American who grew up in Asia and subsequently moved around for her studies and work, she is familiar with both the highs and lows of a nomadic life. Although Alissa has a marketing background, her postpartum experience spurred a desire to work in mental health, so she is thrilled to be able to contribute to Afloat and support others.

Contact: For questions, please email Alissa at afloatmomtomom@gmail.com .

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Disclaimer: Please note that this group is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. We are a peer to peer support group and a hub to connect you health care professionals and other service providers around pregnancy and mother*hood. We do not handle psychiatric emergencies.

Here’s how it works

• This is a 6-week group that takes place several times a year.

  Please email afloatmomtomom@gmail.com for more details on the upcoming sessions and dates, but please feel free to register your interest further below. You will then be invited to book the sessions via our scheduling system. Please note that you are joining a closed group with a set number of sessions, we kindly ask that you book all sessions in advance to make sure you receive all reminders, updates, and important information related to the entire support group. Please note that you cannot join a closed group after its start. Please check the calendar or email afloatmomtomom@gmail.com to join another batch of sessions.

• We will meet on a weekday at 11:30-12:30 CEST during those 6 week batches.

• Meetings take place on Zoom.

• The group language is English.

• Maximum 12 participants + 1 facilitator

• The suggested donation for this group is 45€. Afloat requires donations to cover the costs of running our groups so your help is crucial to keep us going. Thank you so much for your help. Please remember that your donation is tax-deductible in Germany and offers financial benefits. Donation Receipts are available upon request via email. The group is open and welcomes everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

Please donate. Help sustain our work.

You can donate once or, even better, join our community of monthly supporters. Monthly contributions are essential as they enable us to maintain and grow the ongoing support groups our community relies on. If you can, please become a monthly donor. Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you.

Afloat depends on your generosity to keep our groups running. 

For less than the cost of a Netflix binge or Spotify playlist, you can support a mom* in need every month:

• 8€ / month = Afloat e.V. stays afloat.**

• 25€ / month = Full Cost of 1 Support Group Session.**

• 45€ / month = Enable a mom* to call our Warmline and receive support.**

Join us and make lasting connections!

IMPORTANT! Please fill out the form below to indicate your interest in the group. Your will then receive an email with information about completing the registration process. Your registration can only be confirmed once you have completed this second step. Thank you!