UPDATE – October 2020
What is a Peer Support Group?
Providing in-person peer support is the cornerstone of our mission here at Resolve New England (RNE). In fact, it’s how the origins of our organization in 1974 were when a small group of women in Belmont, Mass. began to meet regularly and commiserate in their shared infertility experiences. Our peer support groups–open to women and men, individuals and couples–provide an opportunity for open discussion where you can come together and meet others who are facing similar challenges in a relaxed and confidential setting. Facilitated by a volunteer peer leader, our groups are on-going and meet in a variety of locations throughout New England, as noted below.
We are pleased to offer groups focused on general infertility and groups focused on specific topics, including secondary infertility, donor egg decision-making, adoption, as well as pregnancy and parenting after infertility. Discussion at our general infertility groups may include talking about current treatment, dealing with friends and family, and coping strategies. Discussion at our specialized topic groups enables attendees to meet others who share a similar struggle, learn more about a specific issue, and hear about resources for help. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been in the trenches for years, attendees from all stages of the infertility journey will be warmly welcomed.
Registration and Fees
Find an RNE Group Near You
RNE Group Schedule & Details
Pre-Register for a Group
Download New Attendee Packet
Testimonials
Starting Your Own RNE Group
Registration & Fees
Pre-registration is required for all our Virtual groups and for all our Waltham MA groups. For all other groups, we do strongly recommend and prefer pre-registration. While changes to our groups are always posted on our Facebook page, pre-registering for our groups is the best way to receive notifications about any group changes or cancellations*.
Please pre-register by filling out the form below.
*Please note that while changes and cancellations are infrequent, they do occur from time to time.
Fees
Our virtual support groups are FREE to everyone!
Our in-person groups are free for RNE members, and $5 per person for non-members. Please pay at the door (cash or check) when you check in. Exact change is much appreciated!
If you join RNE that evening, you may attend for free.
Find a RNE Support Group Near You!
New Leaders Needed for the following groups: General Infertility – Rhode Island; Secondary Infertility – Waltham. Please contact us if interested.
RNE Group Schedule & Details
VIRTUAL
General Infertility Group
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Elizabeth
Tuesday, October 27, 12:00-1:00pm, led by Jennifer
Monday, November 2, 7:30-9:00pm, led by Erin
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Jess
Expecting After Infertility and/or Loss Group
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Date/Time
Mondays, October 26, November 9, 23, 7:00-8:30pm
Leader
Eleanor Merrill Register
Donor Egg Decision-Making Group
Are you considering donor egg as a way to build a family? Join us for an open discussion of the issues, decisions, and emotions surrounding this family building option. This group will be led by a mom through egg donation.
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Date/Time
Thursday, November 5, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Beth
Donor Conception Support Group
This group is open to all at any stage of the donor egg or donor sperm process from decision-making to pre/post-cycle to parenting.
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Phoebe and Peter
Thursday, October 29, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Chrissy
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00-8:30pm, led by Charly and Larry
Pregnancy Loss Group
This group is open to people parenting or not yet parenting. It offers support to those who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy and/or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Wednesday, October 28, November 11, December 2, 16, 7:00-8:30pm
Queer Parents to Be Support Group
This group is open to anyone under the LGBTQ+ rainbow who are trying to grow their families. It is a partnership between Family Equality Council, LGBTQ+ Perinatal Wellness Center and Resolve New England. Registration is required via the link above.
Location
Virtual
Dates/Times
Wednesdays, October 21, November 4, 18, 7:00-8:30pm EST
Leader
Jenn
Adoption Support Group
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Tuesdays, November 10, December 8, 7:00-8:30pm
Leader
Karen Fiore Register
Secondary Infertility Group
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Tuesdays, October 27, November 24, December 22, 7:00-8:30pm
Leader
Erin Chrusciel Register
Fertility and Family Building Support Group for Men
This group is open to any person who identifies as male that is struggling to become a parent, including but not limited to those with a male fertility diagnosis.
Location
Virtual via Zoom
Dates/Times
Tuesdays, November 17, December 15, 7:00-8:30pm
Leader
Andy Lamb Register
Boston, MA
General Infertility Group
Location
Boston Integrated Health
142 Berkeley Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02116
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Erin Walker Register
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Cambridge, MA
General Infertility Group
MIT Medical, Building E25, Room 009-A (basement)
25 Carleton Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Stephanie Wissig Register
Chelmsford, MA
General Infertility Peer Support Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Location
Chelmsford Public Library (Lower level conference room)
25 Boston Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Jessica Stowe Register
Chelmsford, MA
Pregnancy Loss Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please. Open to parents and those not yet parenting, this group offers support to those who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Come and talk with others about the impact of loss on all aspects of life, the emotional and psychological experiences of grief, coping strategies, and how to move forward.
For more information and resources about pregnancy loss, please visit our special Coping with Pregnancy Loss page.
Location
Chelmsford Public Library (Lower level conference room)
25 Boston Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Jessica Stowe & Danielle Burns Register
East Longmeadow, MA
General Infertility Peer Support Group
Location
East Longmeadow Public Library (The Community Room)
60 Center Square
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Erin Chrusciel Register
Farmington, CT
General Infertility Group
Location
Center for Advanced Reproductive Services
2 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Marlene Berson/Ami Chokshi/Debbie Eddinger/Carissa Spada Register
Hooksett, NH
General Infertility Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Location
Hooksett Public Library, Lilac Bridge Room
31 Mount St. Mary’s Way
Hooksett, NH 03106
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Karen Fiore Register
Hooksett, NH
Donor Egg Support Group
This group is for those at any stage of the donor egg process from decision-making to pre/post-cycle to parenting. Join us for an open discussion of the issues, decisions, and emotions surrounding this family building option. This group is led by a mom through egg donation.
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Location
Hooksett Library, Lilac Bridge Room
31 Mt. St. Mary’s Way
Hooksett, NH 03106
Dates/Times
TBD
Kingston, RI
General Infertility Peer Support Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Location
Kingston Free Library – Potter Hall
2605 Kingstown Rd
Kingston, RI 02881
Dates/Times
TBD
Eleanor Merrill/Lauren/Sarah M./Sandy Register
Mansfield, MA
General Infertility Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Location
HarborOne Bank U (Small conference room)
131 Copeland Drive
Mansfield, MA 02048
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Beth Feinberg Keenan/Aprill Lane Register
Plymouth, MA
General Infertility Peer Support Group
Location
Panera Bread
138 Colony Place
Plymouth, MA 02360
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Elizabeth Sanderman
For last minute questions or registrations, feel free to email elizabeth.sanderman@gmail.com
Portland, ME
General Infertility Group
Location
Maine Medical Center
22 Bramhall Street
Dana Education Center
Portland, ME 04102
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Anne Belden Register
Waltham, MA
General Infertility Group
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Jeannine Lawless & Sarah Svenson Register
Adoption Support Group
Pre-registration required – no walk-ins, please. This group is co-facilitated by two adoptive moms (one with a young child and one with two grown children). Bring your questions and concerns 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.
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Mindi Whitney & Jessi Stone Register
Donor Egg Decision-Making Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
Are you considering donor egg as a way to build a family? Join us for an open discussion of the issues, decisions, and emotions surrounding this family building option. This group will be led by a mom through egg donation.
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Maureen Headley/Beth Marcus Register
Donor Conception Support
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please.
If you are planning to use donor egg or donor sperm to try to build your family, this group can help you identify and process emotions that can arise with these paths to parenthood. We welcome those at any stage in the donor conception process from pre/post-cycle through the first trimester of pregnancy*. This group is led by parents that built their families through egg donation.
* If you are past your first trimester and seeking further support, please email us at admin@resolvenewengland.org
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Phoebe & Peter Russell Register
Expecting After Infertility and/or Loss Group
Pre-registration required – no walk-ins, please. This group meets monthly to discuss the range of emotions, from apprehension to joy, that can accompany a pregnancy after experiencing infertility and/or loss. This group is open to women and men, including those who are dealing with waiting for birth through adoption or surrogacy. We seek to smooth the transition into the reality of expecting after infertility and/or loss.
For more information and resources about pregnancy after infertility, please visit our special Coping with Pregnancy After Infertility page.
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Emily Lindblad Register
Pregnancy Loss Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please. This group offers support to those who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Geared specifically towards women and men who are not currently parenting*. Come and talk with others about the impact of loss on all aspects of life, the emotional and psychological experiences of grief, coping strategies, and how to move forward.
* If you are parenting and seeking support following a pregnancy loss, please email us at admin@resolvenewengland.org.
For more information and resources about pregnancy loss, please visit our special Coping with Pregnancy Loss page.
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Leaders
Barb Luciano & Emily Lindblad Register
Secondary Infertility Group
Pre-registration required by midnight the night before – no walk-ins, please. Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to conceive, or to carry a pregnancy to term, following the birth of one or more biological children. This group provides support to those facing the unique challenges and frustrations of parenting while struggling with infertility.
Location
RESOLVE New England Office
395 Totten Pond Road, Suite 203
Waltham, MA 02451
Dates/Times
TBD
Leader
Sarah Gregory Register
Westborough, MA
General Infertility Peer Support Group
Location
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
183 West Main Street
Westborough, MA 01581
Dates/Times
TBD
Amy St. Andre/Deana Tuefferd Register
RNE Group Pre-RegistrationIf you would like to pre-register for one of our many Support Groups, please fill out the form below.
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RNE Group Attendees & Leaders Share Their Stories
“When my wife first suggested that we attend a support group, I was not overly enthusiastic. What would these other people tell me that I didn’t already know? You have a problem, you get medical treatment and then things work out. Infertility was not a club that I had any interest in belonging to and I had no interest in hanging out with other club members. Given my upbringing as a sensitive male, I told my wife that I could understand the need for support and would be willing, if not anxious, to go with her to a support group.
We went and it was a revelation. Infertility could be funny, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and a growth experience. Our support group helped me learn things about myself; my wife and life that made infertility have a positive side to it. My experience with the Resolve New England support group touched me as very few things have done in my life. Thanks to RNE, my life has been enriched by the words and deeds of some wonderful people whom I would never had met otherwise.”
-Peer Group Attendee
“Six years ago, I went to a support group to help me through infertility. Angry, crushed, but ‘fully in control’ (or so I thought), that’s when I met my friends. We would talk daily and be supportive of all the failures; there were no successes for us. Our small group ended up staying in touch. We’d find out what each one was doing, how the treatments were going, be supportive, and provide encouragement.
Four of us from this support group are still friends. We get together as adults and as mothers with our kids. All of the kids get along together and us four moms have a connection that will always be there. We have a relationship that is unconditional – we went through too much with each other for it to be anything else.”
– Peer Group Attendee
“I am deeply moved when one person reaches across the room to another, whom they have just met, giving a gentle touch of knowing compassion. I love when someone finds courage through another’s story to tell a family member they cannot go to that baby shower. I smile to myself seeing some members linger in the parking lot afterwards, talking to one another, not wanting their new found connection to end.
Resolve New England peer support groups can help heal our own sense of being broken, help cultivate our sense of control and encourage us to discover new moons of our own. Great power and healing comes through compassionate human connection and collective energy. I am honored to bear witness to it each month.”
– Anne Brennan Belden, Portland, Maine Peer Group Leader
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