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ZEBULON - Melinda Harrison wants to help support women by giving them a way to talk together so they can be encouraged, know that they are not alone, get help from other women who have had similar experiences, and even get outside resources if needed.

Harrison is a nurse who is offering the opportunity for women to get together every two weeks and support each other as a part of The Last Trimester beginning on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10 a.m. downstairs in 1828 Coffee in Zebulon.

What Is The Last Trimester?

The Last Trimester will provide support for those who are dealing with post-partum, those who have had trouble conceiving, those who have had a miscarriage, those who are dealing with post-partum depression, and those who are pregnant or new moms and need support in general as they walking the road to motherhood. “Some don’t make it to the last trimester,” Harrison said.

This isn’t her first time offering her time with this small group. She and her friend Monica Lemcke, who is also a nurse, worked together in Henry County for about 8 months last year to offer similar support after The Last Trimester became a reality in April of 2022.

At that time, Dr. Pulliam from Covenant Care Pediatrics was the facilitator for The Last Trimester, but he let Melinda and Monica run with this. We had deep conversations, shared resources, and offered a listening ear, Melinda said.

These ladies shared their time together doing crafts, painting, talking, and even bringing their babies so everyone could see them. There were four women who consistently attended meetings during this time together.

We even held a graduation ceremony when it ended, Harrison said. She said that they had come so far connecting with others and being empowered to take care of themselves and their babies.

Click here to read “Conversations with Melinda Harrison & Monica Lemcke” from VoyageATL at voyageatl.com/interview/conversations-with-melinda-monica-harrison-lemcke/

This time, Harrison is offering her time with The Last Trimester here in Pike County to anyone who is struggling or going through the journey to motherhood.

What To Expect

The first meeting will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m. downstairs at 1828 Coffee. The first meeting will be a time of delivery stories and what brings you to the group today.

This will be a time to talk about self-care, relationships and how they influence motherhood, and a space to talk and connect with others. “You are not alone,” Harrison said. “Everyone struggles.”

When asked about who can come to the meetings, Harrison said, If you’re struggling during motherhood, this is the place for you.

Harrison emphasized that she is a registered nurse and will be in the role of a facilitator and not a counselor so this will be a place where she can offer personal advice and connect those attending to resources if resources are needed.

“I think it’s super important to empower Moms and take of babies,” she said. And taking care of babies means taking care of moms too.

Harrison knows this from personal experience as she has dealt with post-partum depression. She has been a nurse for 7 ½ years and is the mother of two children.

The Last Trimester is Harrison’s way of standing in the gap to help others and stressed that this is about getting help and not getting “fixed.”

“I think God has put me here right now to pour into my family and The Last Trimester, and I’m passionate about that!” she said.

“Moms, babies, and kids. That’s my jam.”

Closing

You can find out more about The Last Trimester at on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thelasttrimester and can email The Last Trimester at thelasttrimester23@gmail.com

One nurse. One Mission. Helping you know that you’re not alone.

The Last Trimester will meet on Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m. downstairs at 1828 Coffee.