The Midshore Mothers’ Center, Inc., a non-profit, non-sectarian organization for mothers, is offering a pregnancy and postpartum depression peer support group for any woman who has suffered or is currently suffering from a perinatal mood disorder.

The group meets weekly at 12:30 p.m. and includes 11 daytime meetings and one evening session. During the sixth week, participants will be asked to bring either a family member or friend to the special evening session so that they can better understand what their friend or family member is experiencing.

Perinatal mood disorders are the most common medical complication related to childbearing. They affect approximately 10 percent of women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period (within the first 12 months), with the rate being up to 50 percent in women living in poverty. One to two women in 1,000 births will experience postpartum psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia, loss of contact with reality symptoms) where they require emergency medical attention.

There is a fee involved for the group, which will be based on a sliding scale. Childcare is also available. For more information, call Nicole Piervencenti at (631) 218-1552.

The group will initially meet at the MMC’s current location, the Church of St. Jude, which is located at 3606 Lufberry Avenue in Wantagh. The MMC has recently announced that the entire organization will soon be relocating to Farmingdale. The mothers’ center will now enjoy a larger space, including an outdoor area and newly decorated rooms, at the Crossroads Church of Long Island. The church is located at 610 Carmans Road in Farmingdale.

This new perinatal support group is part of the Circle of Caring Program, which epitomizes the Midshore Mothers’ Center’s mission of “mothers helping mothers.” The center offers many other discussion groups and programs, including: Baby & Me (6 - 18 mos.) with sibling childcare, Mommy & Me (18 mos. - 2+ yrs.), separation groups (2.5 + yrs.), Music & Me (12 mos. - 3+yrs.), weekend trips, girl’s night outings, a book club, craft club, healthy moms club, special needs support club, yoga classes and various outreach projects.

For updates on the exact moving date, or more information on the Midshore Mothers’ Center, visit

www.midshoremotherscenter.org or call (516) 679-4641 between 9:45 a.m. and noon.