ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on the skills required to manage a postnatal support group. The group provides a forum for women to discuss how they are coping with all the changes a new baby brings. Women have chosen to attend – they have not been referred or prejudged as not coping or needing help in any way. The facilitator’s personal qualities, skills and experience will have a direct impact on the atmosphere of the group, and will play a significant role in the group’s success. She balances offering a warm and friendly relationship with the participants, while at the same time maintaining safe boundaries. The facilitator is not the expert, the adviser, the specialist, the authority, but will encourage women to make their own decisions. Nevertheless, the facilitator must remain aware that some of the group may project their own needs on to her, and expect and consider her to fulfil this ‘expert’ role.
