Welcome to The Motherhood Connection
We’re more than a support group—we’re a community parents can rely on throughout every stage of the motherhood journey.
Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Becoming a mom changes everything — and you deserve support through it all. The Motherhood Connection is a welcoming community where moms find real connection, guidance from trusted professionals, and reassurance from other moms who truly understand. We’re here for you from pregnancy through the early years and beyond, so you always have support you can rely on.
Support Groups For Moms
The Motherhood Connection support groups are professionally facilitated support groups for new moms seeking connection, emotional support, and expert guidance during postpartum and early motherhood. These groups provide a welcoming space to talk openly, learn practical tools, and feel supported through the real experiences of motherhood.
Each session is led by a licensed clinical social worker and focuses on maternal wellness through meaningful discussion, practical tools, and evidence-informed guidance. Topics may include postpartum emotions, anxiety and mood changes, identity shifts, relationships, boundaries, self-care, and adjusting to daily life with a baby, while infant development topics are introduced during guest expert visits.
Throughout the series, guest experts join us to share additional guidance on topics such as feeding, sleep, developmental milestones, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor health, nutrition after birth, and other common parenting questions—offering trusted insight within the supportive, discussion-based environment of the group.
Serving families in the Park Ridge and Chicagoland area.
Ended
253 US dollarsEnded
253 US dollars
WHAT PAST GROUP MEMBERS SAY
Emily M.
I truly can’t recommend enough! This group was more than I ever expected — the best part was making new mom friends who are always there to lift you up. If you’re a new mom I promise this is something you absolutely won’t regret.
Kelly C.
The friendships I made from this group are absolutely amazing. Michelle leads a professional yet fun support group. My son is almost 2 and I still got so much out of this group!
Claire C.
It's hard to take time to do anything for yourself as a new mom but this is definitely worth it! I loved it so much & wish we could do it all over again!
Upcoming Classes & Events
**Summer 2026 Update**
We're currently on maternity leave and taking a short pause from our regular programming this summer as we prepare to welcome a new baby. We look forward to relaunching support groups, classes, and community events this fall 2026.
If you'd like to stay updated and be the first to hear when registration opens, please complete our Interest & Waitlist Form.
The Motherhood Connection offers expert-led classes, workshops, social events, and gatherings for expecting parents, new moms, and families with young children. Our offerings support parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood with practical guidance, trusted support, and opportunities to connect with other families in the same stage of life.
With small group sizes, baby-friendly environments, and flexible scheduling—including weekend options—our prenatal classes, postpartum classes, parenting workshops, parent-and-baby events, and parents-only gatherings are designed so families can participate in ways that feel comfortable and supportive.
New classes and events are added regularly.
Prenatal Preparation Series BundleDates and Times in Class DescriptionMain Street Counseling
Mom's Night Out: Sip, Shop & Self-CareThu, May 21Le Village Cowork Des Plaines
May Mommy & Me YogaThu, May 21Park Ridge Presbyterian Church
Mini Makers: Parent & Me Art ClassFri, May 15Brickton Art Center
Babble BuddiesSat, May 02Main Street Counseling
Toddler TalkSat, May 02Main Street Counseling
Infant Feeding BasicsSat, Apr 18Main Street Counseling
Park Ridge PlaygroupSat, Apr 11Park Ridge Presbyterian Church
Our Providers
We partner with trusted, experienced professionals across maternal, infant, and family wellness to provide evidence-based education, meaningful resources, and compassionate support throughout your parenting journey. All providers are vetted professionals with specialized training in their field.
Founder + Director of The Motherhood Connection
Michelle Trudeau, MSW, LCSW
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of The Motherhood Connection, a community dedicated to supporting parents through pregnancy and the early years of raising children.
Based at Main Street Counseling in Park Ridge, I lead The Motherhood Connection’s support groups and coordinate our classes, events, and partnerships with trusted local professionals who provide expert-led education for families. I’m passionate about creating spaces where parents can access trusted guidance while also building meaningful connections with other families navigating this stage of life.
When I’m not supporting families, I’m most likely spending time with my husband and two young sons, exploring local parks and activities, or enjoying time with friends and family in the community I love.
Interested in joining a support group or connecting with Michelle?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Registered Nurse
Ally Enter, BSN, RN, IBCLC
I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and registered nurse with over 10 years of experience in labor & delivery, NICU, and postpartum care.
I started Mom2Mom Lactation, a private in-home lactation practice, with a mission to empower mothers through evidence-based guidance and compassionate support. I have specialty training in tongue-tie assessment and management, complex milk supply concerns, pumping strategies, and the intersection of lactation and postpartum mental health.
I am passionate that breastfeeding is not a “one size fits all” journey and very committed to honoring each family's unique goals and challenges—whether that includes exclusive breastfeeding, pumping, combination feeding, or formula.
When I am not supporting moms in my community, I am home with my two boys, husband and dog. I love fostering shelter animals, working on home projects and being outside!
Interested in working with Ally?
Visit their website or reach out to connect.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Dr. Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC, PRFS
Dr. Erika Darbro is the founder of Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness, located in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago.
She and her team help women of all ages and stages feel comfortable and confident in their bodies through personalized, one-on-one pelvic physical therapy. Their care supports everything from bladder and bowel health to sexual function, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
Outside the clinic, Erika enjoys traveling, hiking, and discovering new coffee shops.
Interested in working with Erika?
Visit their website or reach out to connect.
Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Maggie Johnson
MS, APRN, WHNP-BC, CNM, IBCLC
I'm Maggie, a nurse turned Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who has been in the birth work world for the last 20 years.
Since my own motherhood journey started, I have shifted my passion to the postpartum space after realizing the gaps that exist in it. Now I focus on providing personalized, slower-paced care, education, and support to families as they navigate those early weeks and months.
When I'm not working with families, you'll find me chasing my own 3 kids, crocheting, or tending to my garden.
Interested in working with Maggie?
Visit their website or reach out to connect.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Melissa Fuentes
Melissa is a pediatric physical therapist who helps children move, play and grow with confidence. She uses play-based, functional activities to support each child’s unique developmental journey.
With a focus on improving flexibility, strength, coordination and balance, Melissa meets every child where they are and helps them build the skills they need to thrive.
Interested in working with Melissa?
Speech-Language Pathologist
Olivia Hallagan, MS, CCC-SLP
Olivia is the lead therapist and founder of Park Ridge Speech Therapy. She was born and raised in Park Ridge and loves being able to give back to the community. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University. Olivia focuses on early language development and speech sound development and supports families by providing in-home speech therapy services and group classes through the park district.
Olivia enjoys taking her miniature dachshund, Cooper, for walks around Park Ridge and spending time with her nieces and nephew.
Interested in working with Olivia?
Certified Yoga Instructor & Family Yoga Specialist
Nicole Kelly
Certifications include 200hr from Zen Yoga Garage in 2023 (all while in my first trimester of pregnancy). 20hr Children’s Yoga Certification from Meet Me in Child’s Pose in 2023. Chair Yoga Certification in 2025.
Areas of expertise include mom & me yoga, children & family yoga, restorative and traditional vinyasa.
Currently teach at Sol Space Chicago in Jefferson Park and for Brain to Belly Kids Yoga Company. I enjoy working with ALL ages and helping others find balance in life through yoga, meditation, self-care, humor, fun and play.
I am a stay at home mom with a 20 month old daughter, 2 rescue pups. My husband and I are usually walking our girls or finding something fun and exciting to do in our Norwood Park neighborhood
Interested in working with Nicole?
Visit their website or reach out to connect.
Helpful Resources
Explore our collection of free, expert-created guides from The Motherhood Connection’s trusted providers—designed to offer practical tips, reassurance, and supportive tools for pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.
Download, save, or print anytime.
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