In-Person · Heidelberg · Friday mornings
Heidelberg Support Group
A space for immigrant moms*
Becoming a parent and learning to cope with a new baby can be an overwhelming change, especially if you are doing it here, in a country you didn’t grow up in. Things like the German healthcare system can seem huge and confusing and you might feel like you are not just learning to look after a baby and learning the geography of a new you, but also learning to navigate a whole new world, and in a different language. You are not alone.
The in person Afloat groups are there to help you meet and connect with other mothers who understand what you are going through. The group is a space where you can talk about the big issues and big changes, as well as the small day-to-days of postpartum life, in a language you may feel more comfortable with. It is a space where we hope you can find your community.
The Friday group takes place between 8:30-10:00 on the second Friday of each month at the Belladonna Hebammenpraxis in Heidelberg, conveniently located close to the main train station. Feel free to drop in whenever works for you. We look forward to meeting you
Second Friday of each month
- When: 2nd Friday, 08:30 - 10:00
- Where: Belladonna Hebammenpraxis, Kaiserstraße 94, 69115 Heidelberg
- Language: English
- Facilitator: Rachel Judge
- Contact: heidelberg2@afloatgermany.org
Belladonna Hebammenpraxis is conveniently located close to Heidelberg main train station.
Your facilitator
Rachel Judge
When I moved to Germany from England back in 2012 I thought I knew what challenges faced me: learning a new language, navigating new systems and processes, all the paperwork… Becoming a mother in Germany brought challenges I could never have even imagined. I had been in Germany for 10 years at that point and yet still felt like I was entering a whole new world and felt totally unprepared. Fortunately, I came across a link for the Afloat Pregnancy Online Support Group which gave me an instant community of people facing the same challenges and once my son was born, I was able to join the in person support group in Heidelberg, Having a community to share both the serious and less serious times, and who understand what it means to be bringing up children in a different culture to the one you grew up in, has been life changing. In my professional job as an InCorporate Trainer, I help people understand different cultures and facilitate communication between businesses. I’m very excited about being able to use some of that experience to create the space I have had in those in person meetings in the days, weeks and months post-partum.
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 with health care professionals and other service providers around pregnancy and parenthood*. We do not handle psychiatric emergencies.
Heidelberg Support Group
A space for immigrant moms*
You are pregnant or at home with a little baby and don’t know if what you’re feeling or thinking is “normal,” but you don’t know who to turn to. You’re experiencing so many changes whether they are physical, emotional, relational or professional - all while navigating the German culture and healthcare system. Maybe you’ve considered joining local groups or tried talking to other moms at the playground, but they don’t quite get what it feels like to be in your shoes.
Then, you find Afloat. You get to meet in-person, with other mothers who are in the same boat as you. The group has no agenda, just a space to talk openly and without judgement. The other moms understand what it’s like to be going through the change into motherhood while living away from home. You may even find yourself meeting for coffee and playdates, and building a new community that lasts long after the "4th Trimester" has ended.
We meet the last Tuesday of each month at the Belladonna Hebammenpraxis in Heidelberg, conveniently located close to the main train station. Come as you are, on your own or with your baby. We are looking forward to meeting you!
Here’s how it works
When: Last Tuesday of every month, 10:00 CET
Format: Hebammenpraxis Bella Donna at Kaiserstraße 94, 69115 Heidelberg
Language: English
Registration: Fill the form, then book your session via Calendly
Facilitator: Stacie Waldmann.
Contact: For questions, please contact Stacie at afloatinpersonhd@gmail.com.
*Please take some time to read our Afloat Support Groups Rules (link on the form below) to get a feel of what to expect during the group.
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 with health care professionals and other service providers around pregnancy and motherhood*. We do not handle psychiatric emergencies.
Would you like to support us?
Please donate. Help sustain our work.
A suggested donation of €8 helps us cover the costs of running our groups and keep them accessible to everyone. Donations are voluntary, and no one is turned away due to inability to contribute.Your donation funds your chosen project or urgent needs within Afloat’s mission. If a project is fully funded or urgent needs arise elsewhere, we may reallocate donations in line with Afloat e.V.’s mission. Your support helps us care where it’s needed most. Thank you for your trust. Please note that, as these are donations, we do not issue refunds, if you cancel your attendance to a support group or a session. A donation receipt for tax purposes can be requested via email to hello@afloatgermany.org.
Join us and make lasting connections!
IMPORTANT! Please fill out the registration form below to indicate your interest in the group. You will then be directed to a page with information about completing the registration process and booking your sessions through Calendly. Your registration can only be confirmed once you have completed this second step.
Think of it like joining a gym: filling out the registration form is like becoming a gym member, but using Calendly is how you sign up for the actual class and secure your spot. Thank you!