For many new mothers, the support that surrounds pregnancy tends to disappear the moment the baby arrives, Eva Almiñana wants to change that. 

New Mom School Philadelphia, a franchise of the California-born national brand, opens June 8 in Rittenhouse Square under the ownership of Graduate Hospital resident Eva Almiñana, writes Laura Brzyski for Philadelphia Magazine. 

Her motivation is personal. After the birth of her son, Almiñana found no shortage of guidance on newborn care but almost nothing addressing what she was going through herself: the physical recovery, the emotional weight, the shift in her relationships. 

“Every baby, every birth story, every postpartum is so different,” said Almiñana. “You can find camaraderie, but having a few people by your side who are on the same (or similar) timeline can be a source of comfort during what can be an isolating time.” 

Mothers are grouped by their babies’ ages so that each cohort of 10 to 14 women is navigating roughly the same milestones at the same time. Groups meet weekly for 90-minute sessions covering topics including the transition into motherhood, managing anxiety, postpartum recovery, and balancing family life.  

Doulas, pediatric nurses, therapists, and early childhood educators lead the discussions. 

The center will also host a free weekly feeding-support group led by a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, open to all parents whether or not they are enrolled in a session. 

New Mom School arrives at a moment of growing awareness around maternal mental health and the gaps in postpartum care.  

Read more about Eva Almiñana’s story and the research behind America’s postpartum support gap at Philadelphia Magazine. 

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