Perinatal Recovery Dharma Group

Beginning in February 2026, Ìyá Pittsburgh Project will begin hosting a Recovery Dharma group every week specifically for pregnant & postpartum gestational parents up to 3 years postpartum.

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The purpose is for pregnant & postpartum gestational parents to receive regular peer support from other pregnant & postpartum gestational parents who are in recovery from addictive substances and behaviours (sex, work, gambling, codependency, disordered eating, etc.). This group follows the secular, but spiritual, Buddhist-inspired approach of Recovery Dharma, utilising meditation and reflective self-inquiry around The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path of Buddhist dharma.

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This group will meet VIRTUALLY every week via Google Meet.

• Once a week, every week, on Wednesdays.

• From 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM.

• Registration is recommended (no required) before attending the first time. REGISTER HERE!

• Text/Call/WhatsApp 412.552.3021 to make sure we're meeting.

• Email supportgroups @ iyapittsburgh.org for the link to join the meetings.

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Additional group details:

• For pregnant & postpartum gestational parents up to 3 years postpartum.

• Group meets every week on WEDNESDAYS from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

• Participants are encouraged to bring a journal for their inquiries & sit in a comfortable place (floor, chair, yoga mat, etc).

• Due to the nature & structure of this group, the environment, though virtual, is not suitable for babies & children.

• Group is open to all genders, sexualities, & ethnicities/races, but will unapologetically centre the lived experiences and safety of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ group members.

• Suggested donation $1-$5 weekly (no one turned away for lack of funds).

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Group Format:

• At 7:05 PM, like most Recovery Dharma meetings, things begin by opening the meeting; reading “The Practice”, “The Four Nobel Truths”, and “The Eightfold Path”; and then we introduce ourselves with our first names and pronouns.

• Next, we engage in a 15-25 minute guided meditation, preselected from the Insight Timer app.

• Then, we read from the Recovery Dharma book & take time to ponder an Inquiry Question.

  • 10-15 minutes is provided for everyone to journal, draw, and/or think about the inquiry question

• Next, everyone who wishes to share, may take a turn to share with the group

  • keep shares to 3 minutes or less

  • keep the content of shares to the topic of the reading/inquiry, the meditation, or your personal journey

  • do not comment on the share of others or offer advice

• Then, we begin winding down the meeting with any announcements & passing the virtual basket for dāna (donations).

  • dāna is the Buddhist term for the practice of generosity

  • there is a suggested weekly donation between $1-$5

    • donations are used to pay for the full pro version of Insight Timer app,

    • and as an offering to the hosting nonprofit & its therapist facilitating the group

  • no one is turned away or judged for a lack of funds

  • other ways to practice generosity on behalf of the group:

    • volunteer to read from the book during meetings

    • tell other pregnant & postpartum gestational parents about the group

    • stick around to talk to newcomers

• Finally, we close out the meeting by reading the “Dedication of Merit”. If there is time leftover, feel free to stay around and chat.

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Bonus Resources:

• The Perinatal Recovery Dharma meeting has a WhatsApp group for participants to join to share resources, keep in touch, and get updates & changes about the meeting.