San Diego Perinatal (Pregnancy and Postpartum) Support Groups
PLEASE NOTE: The community groups listed below are not vetted by PHA; therefore, PHA does not endorse any of these groups or the information shared within them. While we strive to keep this list up to date, we recommend contacting group facilitators directly to confirm details and learn more.
Browse our growing list of educational, support, and therapeutic groups below.
If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for, please contact our warmline at 619-254-0023. A trained PHA volunteer will be happy to help you find a support group near you.
To add a perinatal support group to our resource page, please email info@postpartumhealthalliance.org.
IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUPS
Hillcrest
Are you going through a life transition such as a new relationship, the birth of a child, divorce, parenting challenges, medical conditions, menopause, empty nest, or the loss of a loved one? The Transitions Women’s Group aims to create a community of women who support one another while redefining identities, building self-awareness and esteem, taking on new roles, and adjusting to various life stages. This group offers a safe space to work towards preferred ways of living and engaging with the world. Intended Audience: Women navigating life transitions
Location: 3636 Fifth Avenue, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-786-5850
Fee: $300 (prepaid)
Duration: Ten 90-minute weekly sessions
Facilitator: Mona Klausing, LMFT, Licensed Therapist & Co-Director, NISD Counseling
Reserve Your Spot, Email: mona@nisdcounseling.org
Rest & Reset- Therapist Support Group
Being in the helping profession is meaningful and gratifying work. We strive to be there for our clients – in support of their hopes and preferences for their lives. Yet, sometimes the focus on others leaves little time and resources for our own lives. If you are feeling weighed down, in need of self-care and time to rest & reset – you are not alone. We all need a space where we can reflect on our own experiences and challenges, so that we have the energy and clarity to help others. Join us in creating a supportive space together. Licensed and pre-licensed behavioral health professionals (MFTs, LPCCs, MSWs, Psychologists and Psychiatric Nurses) welcome.
Location: 3636 Fifth Avenue, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-786-5850
Fee: $300 (prepaid)
Duration: Ten 90-minute weekly sessions
Facilitator: Mona Klausing, LMFT, Licensed Therapist & Co-Director, NISD Counseling
Reserve Your Spot, Email: mona@nisdcounseling.org
Kearny Mesa
The My Brain & My Baby program offers group therapeutic counseling to help parents navigate the emotional challenges of complicated pregnancies and NICU journeys. Sessions are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all families. Additionally, all NICU parents can shop for FREE at the Miracle Babies Baby Boutique.
Reserve Your Spot, Email: info@miraclebabies.org
La Jolla
Basic Training for New Dads (Please Contact)
Expectant fathers enjoy an informal, hands-on class that provides practical information and a real boost of confidence about handling the baby's impending arrival. Participants connect with other expectant dads, and also have the opportunity to talk with a “veteran dad” who has been through the class and brings his infant with him to the class. Dads-to-be get to hear directly from the new dad about his experience—and practice diapering, swaddling, soothing, and burping the baby.
Classes will be held in the La Jolla/UTC area. Participants will be notified of the specific location in advance of the class. Classes held on a Saturday, 9:00 am- noon and up to 15 dads.
La Mesa
The Parent’s Circle: Parenting and Chest/Breastfeeding Support Group
Spend time with other families and babies. Learn and share valuable parenting advice. Find out how much breast milk your baby is getting with a pre- and post-feed weight. Latch, positioning, and other chest/breastfeeding assistance will be offered by a registered lactation consultant or lactation educator.
The Parent’s Circle is led by Bre Booren, IBCLC. Donation based. Located at San Diego Breastfeeding Center 8325 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942. Fridays from 10a-11am. Register here.
SHARP Pregnancy and Childbirth Classes
Pregnancy and childbirth classes in San Diego. Classes to help expecting parents get ready for their new arrival, including preparing for labor and delivery.
Bereaved Parents Grief Support Group
Grief support group for bereaved parents (for parents of any child who spent time out of the womb)
Grief is a natural process following the death of an important person in someone’s life. While grief is universal, a parent never expects to lose a child, making this type of grief extremely unique and isolating. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Connecting with others who have also experienced a child loss can provide an easier path toward healing. Faciliated by Alex Mers, LPCC #12122. To register, contact help@freedomwithincenter.com; 619-363-1920
Murrieta
Mom's Coffee Break
For all moms - wherever you are in your postpartum journey. Join us for a time of support and connection the first Saturday of each month at 10am at Intazza Coffee: 38860 Sky Canyon Dr. in Murrita. Contact therapy@ashlynacikalin.com with questions.
North County
Awaken: Rediscovering You Beyond Motherhood is back after a summer hiatus! Geared toward creating a safe and supportive space for moms to connect to explore themes of identity, well-being, self-discovery, growth, shame, and vulnerability throughout the motherhood experience.
Combining a clinician-led support circle with expert mind-body healing with Sound and Movement coach, Shir Eyal, this group is a great opportunity for moms to engage in a journey of wellness and self-compassion and to cultivate meaningful relationships with other moms. The Awaken workshop series is part of a full platform of services being developed to specifically meet the social emotional needs of mothers.
Dates available between September 2024 through May 2025. Group is co-facilitated by Sarah Greenstein, LCSW. For details and dates, visit the link Awaken, Rediscovering You Beyond Motherhood.
North Park
San Diego Mommy + Me
A 7-week group series for new moms. Open to all moms with babies 0-12 months; this is a supportive + educational group series designed to help you navigate your experience, combat information overload, and surround yourself with people who "get it." Created and facilitated by Renata Cameron, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom of two, each 7-week series meets once a week for 90 minutes. Group registration opens monthly. www.sdmommyandme.com
Facilitator: Candace Hallak IBCLC
Dates: Weekly group every Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Baby Garten Studio 1947 30TH ST SAN DIEGO 92102
This free group is open to the public! Shoe-free room please bring socks & small blanket for baby. Please carry baby from car so we can save our limited indoor stroller parking for those who walk or take public transit.
RSVP by text to Candace 619-820-3238
Baby Yoga and Massage Workshop
This is an 8-week workshop series for new mothers. The goal of this workshop is to help mothers of 6 week to 6 month-old infants to reconnect with their bodies, bond with their baby, and grow their mom tribe. We cover topics important in the perinatal stage like yoga wrist stretches, pelvic floor and core strengthening flows, and stretches to counteract breastfeeding strain. You can learn more at our website.
Free prenatal/postpartum Pilates classes, support group & prenatal advocacy for Black moms. Contact Michele Schlanbusch: 619-333-0323, or email: tobeboundless@gmail.com for details.
Ocean Beach
The Mama Village: Building Bonds in Early Parenthood
Purpose: To gather new moms and help them through the adjustment period of new motherhood.
We offer expert advice from specialists in pelvic floor recovery, mental health, feeding, navigating self care and more. At the completion of the group, we encourage everyone to continue meeting up through casual dates and keeping in touch over whatsapp.
Location: Reunify Yoga outdoor yoga deck 4862 Voltaire St, Ocean Beach
Dates: September 17th - October 22nd, Tuesdays : 9:00-10:30 am, 6 week series
Pricing: Sliding Scale ($20, $30, $40 or $115 for all 6 sessions )
Facilitator: Jackie Kowalik from Yoga Jawn
Registration link and/or contact info: https://www.reunifyyoga.com/themamavillage
Point Loma
Join our pregnancy support group starting September 2023! A 4-week program that offers a safe and supportive space for mothers to build connections with other moms as they navigate pregnancy and parenthood. This group is meant to provide a non-judgmental space for expectant moms, resources for navigating mental health and overall well-being, and authentic community connection.
4-week Program: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10
When: Tuesdays 12 pm-1 pm
Where: Song Birds Music, 2650 Truxtun Rd #109, San Diego (located in Liberty Station)
Week 1: PMADs 101/Mental Health during pregnancy
Week 2: Navigating Interpersonal Relationships
Week 3: What to Expect: Birth Anxiety
Week 4: Postpartum Planning: Thrive with Baby
Cost: $30 a class, 4 class package for $90
Moderated by: Betsy Muirhead, Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT140900) Supervised by Amber Rukaj, LMFT (CA LMFT No. 47649)
Contact Betsy at bmuirhead22@gmail.com for any questions.
Vista
4th Trimester - Postpartum Group
New time and location!
Fridays - 9:30am-10:30am in person at Babies in Bloom in Vista, CA or via Zoom
https://www.babies-in-bloom.com/classes-events/#the-4th-trimester--postpartum-support-group
Questions, contact Rachel Davis, MFT (soon to be Rachel Vierra, MFT)
Private Practice number: 760-517-6612
Website: racheldavismft.com
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Kearney Mesa
SHARP Breastfeeding Support Group
Breastfeeding Support Group at Sharp Mary Birch
Sharp HealthCare is committed to helping you give your baby the best possible start in life. This support group is devised to help new parents and their babies learn from others about their successes and challenges with breastfeeding. Attendees will walk away with new ideas and techniques to try and improve their own breastfeeding success at home.
This support group is FREE and registration is not required. Fathers/partners are welcome to attend. Out of consideration for others in the group, please refrain from attending if you are sick or think you might be contagious.
Date: Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Offered by Sharp Mary Birch Hospital
Where: Sharp Learning Resource Center Suite 250
8008 Frost St
San Diego, CA 92123
La Mesa
A support group for parents who are working and chest/breastfeeding. From preparing to go back to work, to work pumping schedule advice, to all things chest/breastfeeding, you will receive valuable information and resources to make educated and informed decisions on your lactating journey. This group has a focus on supporting working parents and marginalized communities.
This group is led by Chardá Bell, IBCLC, CBE, CD. No fee for this group. San Diego Breastfeeding Center 8325 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942. First Thursday of the month from 5:30p-6:30p. Register here.
Mission Valley
Bereaved Parents Grief Support group
Facilitator: Alex Mers, LPCC #12122
When: Wednesdays starting September 18, 2024
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Where: In person at FWC (option to switch to virtual if preferred by majority of participants)
2650 Camino del Rio N Suite 305; San Diego, CA 92108
Total number of sessions:
10
Who:
Any parent grieving the death of a child (age infant-18). Couples are welcome to attend together.
Cost:
$350/person for the entire 10 weeks ($35 per week)
The Grief and Loss group is currently on hold, but any clients interested in attending are welcome to join the waitlist through the page!
The Parent's Circle: Parenting and Chest/Breastfeeding Support
Spend time with other families and babies. Learn and share valuable parenting advice. Find out how much breast milk your baby is getting with a pre- and post-feed weight. Latch, positioning, and other chest/breastfeeding assistance will be offered by a registered lactation consultant or lactation educator.
Group Info:
Led by Ruth Hale, IBCLC, Fee:$5. There are no refunds if you cannot make support group.
Place:San Diego Breastfeeding Center (8325 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942)
Date and Time:Fridays, 10a-11am
Registration is required:Register here
North County
A free weekly support group for mothers located in North County San Diego looking to connect with other breastfeeding mommas! Join us to weight your baby on our hospital grade scale and receive support from two IBCLC’s and other mommas! Led by Jaren Soloff, RD IBCLC (practice owner) and Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC (IBCLC in practice for over 20 years) For more info: https://www.fullcrcl.co/lactationconsultant
Group held at: 1782 La Costa Meadows Drive Suite 104 San Marcos, CA 92078