Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
What is oPPal?
oPPal is a peer support platform that connects new mothers with experienced mothers for real, one-on-one support during the postpartum period. We call new moms "Little oPPals" and experienced moms "Big oPPals." It's not therapy, not a hotline, and not a forum — it's a genuine human connection with someone who has been through it and come out the other side.
Who is oPPal for?
oPPal is for all moms. As your season of motherhood changes, so does how oPPal shows up for you. If you are pregnant or in your first year postpartum, you are eligible to be a Little oPPal. If you are an experienced mom with at least one child over one year old, and are not in the first six months of postpartum with another, you are eligible to be a Big oPPal. Moms deserve more, and oPPal connects all moms who want to help, to share, or to receive guidance.
Who Are the Bigs?
Who are Big oPPals?
Big oPPals are experienced moms who want to connect with and support a new mom through her postpartum. Big oPPals can be anyone 18 years or older who has been there — who has lived through the sleepless nights, identity shifts, feeding challenges, and everything in between.
How are Big oPPals selected?
Every Big oPPal goes through an application and verification process before being approved to be matched. We review their experience, their motivations, and their availability to ensure they're the right fit to support a Little oPPal.
Are Big oPPals trained?
Yes. Big oPPals receive onboarding guidance from oPPal before being matched, called The Big oPPal Starmap. The Starmap training consists of 5 thoughtfully developed modules covering topics such as how to show up as a supportive presence, what to do if a Little needs more than peer support, and how to set healthy boundaries. We also provide ongoing resources to support our Bigs throughout the experience.
Who developed the Starmap?
The Big oPPal Starmap was developed by oPPal’s Constellation — a group of experts in maternal health and mental health fields. While the Starmap is not itself a medical or legal document, the videos and PDFs were made under the direct supervision of, and in many cases written by, accredited therapists, doulas, midwives, and life coaches. See the Constellation section on our Who We Are page to learn more about these brilliant and caring women.
What is the time commitment?
Big oPPals commit to 3 months of check-ins, 2x per week.
Are Big oPPals like therapists?
No. Big oPPals are not therapists, psychiatrists, or healthcare workers of any kind. Though many Big oPPals may have a job in healthcare, oPPal is not a healthcare service, and Big oPPals are explicitly prohibited from giving medical or therapeutic advice to their Littles. oPPal is a peer-support platform, and while every mom brings her own unique experience to share, Little oPPals are encouraged to seek out their own doctors and healthcare practitioners as needed. oPPal can and will connect anyone in need of mental health services to those resources — Phoenix Health is oPPal's preferred provider, with direct links available through your portal.
How Matching Works
How does oPPal match Bigs and Littles?
Matching at oPPal is thoughtful and personalized. Everyone will complete an Entry Form that helps us understand your experience, your needs, your communication style, and what matters most to you. We use this information to find an oPPal who is genuinely compatible with you — not just whoever is available.
What factors go into a match?
We consider a range of factors including your fertility experience, any specific challenges you've faced or are facing, your communication preferences, your personality, and your values.
What if I'm not in my first pregnancy?
The experience of having a baby is always new, even for those who've had one before. Every baby is unique, and presents their own joys and challenges. If you're a second- or third-time mom and think you could benefit from the support of a Big oPPal, you're encouraged to apply as a Little. Your experience of having other children will be taken into account when making your match.
How long does matching take?
Our goal is to match every Little oPPal within one week of signing up. Because every match is reviewed by our team and depends on having an available Big or Little, oPPal cannot guarantee a match will be made in any specific time frame — only that we work diligently so no mom who needs or wants support has to wait longer than necessary.
What if I don't get a match in a timely fashion?
When you sign up for oPPal you receive immediate access to your Portal and our Galaxy. For Little oPPals, your $20 match fee covers 3 months of 1:1 support with your Big oPPal, and those 3 months only start once your match is made and confirmed, so that everyone receives their full time with their oPPal. In the rare case that a significant amount of time passes without a match, reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
What if my match isn't a good fit?
We know that not every match will be perfect — and that’s okay. If your match isn’t working for any reason within the first two weeks, reach out to us at [email protected] for a one-time, complimentary re-match. After two weeks we cannot re-match you.
Privacy & Safety
Is my information private?
Yes. Your personal information is never shared publicly and is only used for the purpose of matching and supporting you within the oPPal platform. We take privacy seriously — especially given the sensitive nature of the postpartum experience. Your conversations with your Big oPPal are your own.
What if I need more support than oPPal can provide?
oPPal is a peer support platform, not a clinical service. If you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or any other mental health concern that requires professional care, we will always encourage and help you connect with the right resources. Your Big oPPal is trained to recognize when to gently encourage you to seek additional support, and the oPPal team is here to help you find it.
Your Account
How much does oPPal cost?
Being a Big oPPal is free — there’s no fee or subscription for Bigs.For Little oPPals, a match is a one-time $20 match fee: you’re thoughtfully matched with a trained Big oPPal, plus three months of 1:1 support. There’s no monthly charge, and your portal stays free. The $20 match fee is non-refundable. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Chamber of Mothers, the nation’s largest nonpartisan nonprofit representing moms.However, we also believe that cost should never be the reason a mom can’t access support. If you can’t afford the match fee at this time, we have a select number of matches available at no charge. Email us at [email protected] for more information.
Do Big oPPals pay for oPPal?
No. Being a Big oPPal is free. Bigs give their time and lived experience, and that’s the contribution we ask of them. The Little match fee helps us keep the matching process thoughtful, provide training and resources for Bigs, and continue building the oPPal community through events, perks, and programming.We also believe support should be accessible to every mom. If cost is a barrier, we offer a limited number of complimentary matches. Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more.
How do I cancel or leave?
Bigs can step away any time by emailing us — there’s nothing to cancel. Littles aren’t billed monthly, so there’s nothing to cancel either — the $20 match fee is non-refundable. To step away, email us at [email protected].
Can I be both a Big and a Little?
That's a thoughtful question! Right now, oPPal is designed for one role per member — either giving support or receiving it. As we grow, we'll continue to evaluate how to best serve our community. If this is something you're interested in, let us know when you sign up and we'll keep it in mind.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out via our contact form or find us on Instagram @myoppal.
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