Heidelberg 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 in-person support group in Heidelberg 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

Here’s how it works

We meet in-person in Heidelberg at Hebammenpraxis Bella Donna at Kaiserstraße 94, 69115 Heidelberg.

The BellaDonna midwifery practice is a partnership consisting of currently seven midwives who all have different characteristics and experiences, which enriches their work together immensely. They are able to care for and support mothers*, expectant parents and families from the beginning of pregnancy right through to the first years of the child's life, which is a matter close to their hearts. We are excited to be partnering with them and enhancing their English language offerings while expanding our reach for in-person perinatal support. 

• The in-person group generally meets on the last Tuesday of each month, with the following exceptions marked here in bold* due to school holidays: October 21*, November 25, December 16*, January 27, February 24, March 24*, April 28, March 26, June 30, July 28.

• Additional details about the location are sent via email once registration is complete.

• This group is facilitated by Stacie Waldmann.

• The group language is English.

• Babies in arms are welcome.

• A donation in the amount of 8€ is suggested for those who are able to contribute financially. 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.

Registration Process

After completing the form below, you will be invited to book your session(s) via our Afloat Scheduling Tool on Calendly. This final step is essential, as it allows Stacie to prepare for the session effectively.

You are joining a monthly drop-in in-person support group. These groups are peer-led, flexible, and open to new participants throughout the year. Each session stands on its own, and you are welcome to attend regularly or occasionally, depending on your needs and availability.

While there is no long-term commitment, booking your session in advance is required. You may book multiple sessions at once by browsing through the calendar month by month.

Think of it like joining a gym: filling out the form is becoming a member, but booking your session is signing up for the actual yoga class. This is the only way to attend.

We appreciate your understanding that sessions may need to be cancelled if only one participant is enrolled, as peer interaction is essential to the group experience.

It is proven that a scheduled session adds a layer of accountability. Having the group in your calendar increases the chances of showing up, especially when it feels most difficult. Those are often the moments when connection matters most.

By booking your session(s) on Calendly, you will receive email reminders and updates ahead of each session. If you don’t see them, please check your spam or junk folder.

Questions?

Feel free to contact Stacie at afloatinpersonhd@gmail.com.

Would you like to support us?

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.**

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**Your donation funds your chosen project or urgent needs within Afloat’s mission. We honour your donation choice. 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. All groups are open and welcome everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

Join us and make lasting connections!

IMPORTANT! Please fill out the registration form below to indicate your interest in the group. Once submitted, you will be redirected to a confirmation page with the next step, booking your session(s) via our Afloat Scheduling Tool (Calendly). Your registration is only complete once you have booked your session(s). If you are not redirected, please check that all required fields have been filled in correctly. Thank you!

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 yoga class and secure your spot. Thank you!