‘It was so nice to have someone who understood what I was feeling:’ Healthy Families Helps Young Mom Build Strong Mental Health and Tight-knit Community

“When you have a child, people often put all their attention on the new baby, and it’s so exciting to have an adorable new human in the world. But rarely do people think to ask how the mom is doing. To have Healthy Families there for me during that time made such a difference in my life.” 

Longtime Haverhill resident Josie was 24 when she found out she was going to be a mother. While grateful for the unexpected blessing of her son, she quickly found herself feeling isolated and overwhelmed during the early days of motherhood. From breastfeeding to sleep training to diaper-changing, Josie’s world became caring for her son and ensuring he was healthy, safe, and steadily growing every day.  

Thanks to Catholic Charities Boston’s Healthy Families Haverhill program, Josie didn’t have to embark on her journey alone.  

“The first time I met with my Healthy Families home visitor was about a month before my son was born,” said Josie. “We met at this little cafe near my house, and right away, she made me feel so comfortable and at ease. I didn’t have a typical situation, but I didn’t feel any judgement from her at all.” 

From that point on, Josie quickly forged a tight-knit relationship with her home visitor, who became a mentor and support system to her during the early days of motherhood and still today. Not only did she help Josie gain confidence in her parenting skills, but she also offered Josie a safe space to openly discuss the challenges and difficult emotions that motherhood can entail. 

“I had a very rough time with post-partum depression the year after my son was born,” Josie said. “I was doing everything possible to make sure my son was growing and taken care of, but inside, I was so sleep deprived and struggling.” 

From providing Josie with a therapy referral and counselling resources, to connecting her to social events and community outings with other young moms, Josie said Healthy Families staff wasted no time in ensuring that she too had an outlet and felt supported by the program. 

“My home visitor always said, ‘Thank you for voicing your feelings and admitting when it’s hard,” she said. “So many moms are afraid to admit that they are struggling, but if I can be the 1% that can make a difference for another mom who might be feeling the same way, I want to.” 

Josie said what helped her to grow were the strong connections she formed, both with her home visitor and with other young moms in the program.  

“It is so nice to get out and have interactions with other parents in an environment that is so positive and so welcoming,” said Josie. “Motherhood is different for everyone, so it’s nice to get multiple perspectives from people and to learn from each other.” 

Josie said her favorite group outing is the essential oils workshop that Healthy Families Program Coordinator Pati Webber offers the mothers each year, while their children participate in games and arts and crafts organized by staff.  

“We learn about the benefits of different oils and how they can be used, from making cleaning sprays with them to using them for relaxation and sleep,” said Josie. “It’s just really interesting and fun to do something with other young moms.”  

Looking back at the past three years, Josie said she is amazed at how she has grown and matured as a mother and is filled with pride to witness her son growing and changing every day. 

“It is such a bittersweet feeling to watch the little human that grew inside you turn into an individual in the world,” said Josie. “Children have such big personalities, and it’s so amazing to watch his emerge. He is emotional. He is strong-willed. He is stubborn but so sweet and loving. He is courageous. When I think about it, he’s a lot like me.” 

To learn more about Catholic Charities Healthy Families Program, click here. To find out how you can support young moms in need, and Catholic Charities Boston’s other clients, visit our Ways to Give page.