Mothers and Moods — Free Postpartum Peer Support Group Colorado
The first months after a baby arrives can bring more than exhaustion — for many new mothers they bring anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, or a quiet grief that does not match the joy everyone expects. Mothers and Moods (M&Ms), offered through Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Healthy Expectations program, creates a free, weekly space where postpartum moms can be honest about the full range of what they are experiencing.
About This Group
Mothers and Moods is a free peer support group run through the Healthy Expectations program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. It is not group therapy and does not require a diagnosis or referral. The group meets weekly on an ongoing basis and is designed specifically for mothers who are struggling with postpartum mood or anxiety issues but face barriers to accessing individual therapy — whether financial, scheduling, or otherwise. A companion offering called Black Mamas Circle, a community-led peer group for Black mothers, is also available through the same program.
Who This Is For
This group is open to mothers in the Colorado area who are experiencing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth-related PTSD, or the general overwhelm of a new baby when you are not okay. You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend. The group is specifically designed to be accessible to moms who cannot afford or access individual therapy, and it is offered free of charge with no insurance required. Parents of any background are welcome.
What to Expect
Mothers and Moods is a drop-in peer support group, not a clinical service. Participants share experiences, offer mutual support, and find community with other mothers navigating similar feelings. The group is facilitated by trained staff within Children’s Hospital Colorado’s mental health program in a warm, confidential environment. Sessions meet weekly, making it easy to attend regularly without committing to a fixed program length. The format is conversational and participant-led, centered on what members bring to the room each week.
How to Join
Contact the Healthy Expectations program to confirm current meeting times, location, and any registration requirements. Reach the team at 303-864-5252 or healthyexpectations@childrenscolorado.org. As a hospital system program, schedules and location details may be updated seasonally — calling ahead ensures you have current information before attending.
Why Peer Support
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders affect roughly 1 in 5 new mothers, yet many never receive care due to cost, stigma, or the sheer difficulty of leaving home with a newborn. Peer support groups like Mothers and Moods lower the barrier significantly — no copay, no waitlist for an individual therapist, and no expectation that you have it together. Research consistently shows peer support for perinatal mood disorders reduces isolation and supports recovery. For Colorado mothers who need a place to exhale and be real, M&Ms offers exactly that.