PACE - overrated?

[Anonymous]

I did both PACE and the Holy Cross group mentioned earlier. I have more in common with the Holy Cross group--they are a laid-back and funny group of women. About half of us in the group who can meet on weekdays do so once a week six months later, and everyone is still involved in the emails. The facilitators at HC are more hands-off and let the conversation flow naturally. If you want moms to meet on their own outside the group, you will have to organize it yourself whereas the PACE leaders will facilitate the initial process. I liked PACE too but I think it is a big overrated! I wish I didn't spend the $250!

[Anonymous]

PP here...my PACE group still meets about once a month and I enjoy seeing everyone too. The PACE group, to be honest, has more high-powered professionals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- thanks for all the replies. It seems as if the PACE group leader has a lot to do with the experience, as well as the group itself. I had a near breakdown once during the session about how hard this had been not just for me personally but for my marriage, and when she asked the other moms if they were experiencing the same thing, another mom went off on a tangent about how great her husband and motherhood experience was -- and off we went. She never checked in with me later and neither did any of the other moms. It was so isolating. It's probably just luck of the draw, but I would feel better about my unfortunate luck of the draw if it hadn't been expensive to boot.

Sorry you had such a lousy experience, OP. I would have been diappointed, too. I wish you had been part of our group. Not only would a bunch of us have chimed right in about the tough parts, but I have no doubt one of the group leaders would have circled back with you afterwards. I know ours did that on PPD issues with a few people. (I know only because those people mentioned it.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here...my PACE group still meets about once a month and I enjoy seeing everyone too. The PACE group, to be honest, has more high-powered professionals. [/quote

I wrote that--just to clarify, I don't like it *because* it's high-powered professionals. just pointing out the group's demographic to the person considering it.

[Anonymous]

I did the 2nd time mom's group and thought it was wondeful. We met for 4 weeks and I guess the cost was half the regular price. I thought it was expensive, but well worth it and almost six months later our group is still meeting up once a month or so, and are in touch with each other for ideas, support and a laugh. Our leader was wonderful, as well.

[Anonymous]

i agree it was overrated. not much in common with most of the other moms. Not that helpful advice . But it was good to get out of the house once a week so that was good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did a mother's group at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. We met once a week for 6 weeks and talked amongst ourselves and with two facilitators. It was great, and I'm still close with these women and "babies" over 4 years later. The course is called something like "And Life Goes On," and it only costs about $25.

I did the same group a few months ago. The moms still meet and we got a lot out of it. Why would you pay $250?