Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care physician Dr. Emily Denney and Stephanie Corcoran, BSN, RN, IBCLC, of Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates (NEWPA) recently joined Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss resources available for local parents and the return of the Moms Supporting Moms peer support group.
Much of the conversation focused on a reality familiar to many parents: Caring for a new baby can be challenging, isolating and different from what they expected.
Moms Supporting Moms launched in 2023 after Denney noticed a need among mothers in her practice. Some struggled with the transition to motherhood but didn’t necessarily need intensive counseling or specialized services. Instead, many simply needed an opportunity to connect with other moms experiencing similar challenges.
“We just wanted a place for people to connect,” said Denney.
After taking a break over the summer, Moms Supporting Moms returns this fall with a refreshed format. Meetings will focus on specific topics — such as breastfeeding, returning to work after having a baby and other common transitions during early motherhood — while providing time for participants to talk, ask questions and learn from one another.
The group is primarily geared toward moms with children younger than 5, whether they are welcoming their first child or their fifth. Denney and Corcoran emphasized that every pregnancy, baby and postpartum experience can be different, even for experienced parents.
“I think a lot of moms don’t want to admit how much they’re struggling,” Denney said. “I think they try to put on a brave face more than you realize.”
Corcoran brings additional expertise to the group as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. A former labor and delivery and postpartum nurse, Corcoran discussed her own early breastfeeding challenges and how receiving help from a lactation consultant inspired her to provide similar support to other mothers.
“I know what it’s like to need help, and no question is too small for me,” Corcoran said. “I’m happy to help out wherever I can.”
Denney and Corcoran also highlighted local breastfeeding and postpartum resources, including Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Health and Labor and Delivery team, the Women’s Clinic, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and NEWPA. The Wyoming Department of Health’s free Hand in Hand program also connects families with support in their homes, at the Sheridan County Public Health office or another convenient location.
Throughout the conversation, Denney and Corcoran emphasized the importance of reaching out when support is needed. Whether connecting with other moms, seeking breastfeeding assistance or calling a healthcare provider about a sick child, local resources are available to help families navigate the challenges of raising young children.
The next Moms Supporting Moms meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care clinic in downtown Sheridan. Children are welcome, though partners and other family members are kindly asked not to attend to give moms an opportunity to speak openly about their experiences.
Learn more about Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates at newpakids.com and Primary Care at sheridanprimarycare.org.
To hear the full conversation, listen to the complete Public Pulse interview below.
