Massachusetts Support Groups

PEER AND TOPIC DISCUSSION GROUPS - Spring 2012

What are peer discussion groups?  These groups are led by a “peer” who is currently or has experienced infertility. These groups are a great way to share feelings, stories, and coping strategies in a safe place, with others who are facing similar challenges. Fees: Free to RESOLVE members.  Non-members, $5 per person to be paid at the program- correct cash or check made out to Resolve of New England, is appreciated.

GENERAL INFERTILITY DISCUSSION GROUPS: General infertility discussion groups are open to those – women and men, couples and individuals – who have primary infertility (those with no children). Support groups in your area are offered by the New England Region of RESOLVE. Please visit http://www.resolveofthebaystate.org/ or call 781.890.2225 for more information.

Brookline, MA General Infertility Support Group
Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA
Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Dates: Wednesdays, April 18, May 16, and June 20, 2012
Leader: Elizabeth Morray

Longmeadow, MA General Infertility Support Group
First Church of Christ, 763  Longmeadow St., (Buxton Room)
Time: Mondays, 7:00PM.    
Dates:  April 2, May 7, and June 4, 2012
Leader: Erin Chrusciel

North Andover, MA General Infertility Support Group
Caron Family Chiropractic, 1005 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates: Mondays, April 9, May 14, and June 11, 2012
Leader: Jacqui Pilla

North Shore (Beverly), MA General Infertility Support Group
The Beverly Healing Center, 234 Cabot Street, #2, Beverly, MA
Time: 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Dates: Thursdays, April 12, May 10, and June 14, 2012
Leader: Keiko Zoll

Plymouth, MA General Infertility Support Group
Nolan Insurance Agency, 79 Samoset Street, Plymouth, MA
Time: 6:30 p.m.   
Dates: Tuesdays, April 3, May 1, and June 5, 2012
Leader: Stephanie Fry

Waltham, MA General Infertility Support Group
RESOLVE New England Office, 395 Totten Pond Rd., Suite 403
Times:7:00PM to 9:00PM   
Dates: Tuesdays, April 3, May 1 and June 5, 2012
Leader: Caroline Gaibel

Westborough, MA General Infertility Support Group
St. Luke's Parish, 1 Ruggles Street (Parish Center, *classroom #25, first floor)
*Room subject to change; room change is posted by the entrance to the parish.
Time: 7:00PM to 8:00PM
Dates: Tuesdays, April 10, May 8 and June 12, 2012
Leader: Eunice Muniz

TOPIC DISCUSSION GROUPS: These are informal discussion groups that focus on a particular topic, led by a volunteer with experience in that subject. Groups meet in our Waltham, MA office, 395 Totten Pond Rd., Suite 403. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Call 781.890.2225 or send an email to admin@resolveofthebaystate.org to let us know which group you would like to attend. While pre-registration is preferred, walk-ins may also attend.  

Adoption Discussion Group:
Join us for an open discussion led by an adoptive mom. Bring your questions, concerns, thoughts and ideas to be shared with others who are exploring adoption or are in the process of adopting. This is an opportunity to get some answers and strategies, and to connect with others in similar situations.
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates: Thursdays: March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, 2012
Leaders: Anne Coleman & Barb Luciano

Embryo Disposition Decision Making Support Group
RESOLVE New England understands that many who have struggled with infertility may, some time later, be dealing with excess embryo disposition. We understand from our members and colleagues that many feel stuck in their decision making about embryos left-over from previous IVF cycles while others are seeking information about disposition options. RNE is delighted to be launching a Saturday afternoon support group led by two Board members both with personal and professional experience with residual embryo disposition. Jennifer Burbridge, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist will share with the group the outcome of much research on the emotional aspects of this matter while Amy Demma, JD will offer information about disposition options both in a legal and practical context. Through this support group RNE will offer both information and strategies on making a final decision regarding excess embryos, members and non-members will be warmly welcomed.
Time: 1:00PM
Dates: Saturday, March 24, 2012 (future dates TBA) 
Leaders: Jennifer Burbridge & Amy Demma

Pregnancy After Infertility Discussion Group:
Now that you are pregnant, you may be experiencing a range of emotions that you didn’t expect. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy a pregnancy after dealing with infertility for so long. This discussion group is for women and men who are experiencing apprehension as well as joy about being pregnant after treatment. Join our leader, a very experienced nurse, for conversation and support around making a successful transition into the reality of pregnancy.
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates: Mondays, April 23, June 25, 2012
Leader: Paulette Melanson, MSN, RNC, WHNP, LCCE

Pregnancy Loss Discussion Group:
This group will focus on support and acceptance for individuals who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy and/or recurrent pregnancy loss. Come and talk with others about the impact of loss on all aspects of life, the emotional and psychological experiences of grief and loss, coping strategies, decision making, and how to move forward.
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates: Wednesdays, May 2, and June 6, 2012
Leader: Margaret Albright

Secondary Infertility Discussion Group
Are you coping with secondary infertility (infertility after successfully and naturally conceiving one or more children) while parenting? Feeling alone in your struggles? Perhaps this is the second time you’ve faced the emotional roller coaster of infertility treatment. The challenges and frustrations of secondary infertility are unique. Join our volunteer leader and peers who understand for informal discussion at this ongoing drop-in group.
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Dates: Wednesdays, April 18, May 16, June 20, 2012
Leader: Caroline Gaibel