San Diego Perinatal (Pregnancy and Postpartum) Support Groups
PLEASE NOTE: Community groups are not vetted by PHA and, as a result, PHA does not endorse any of the below groups or the information that may be shared within them. We do our best to update this list regularly, but please contact facilitators ahead of time to learn more and verify all information.
Browse our ever-growing list of educational, support, and therapeutic groups below.
If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact our warmline and a trained PHA volunteer would be happy to assist you in finding a support group near you.
If you would like to add a perinatal support group to our resource page, please email info@postpartumhealthalliance.org.
COVID Resources: In response to local health recommendations, many facilitators have moved their groups online. Please view our NEW list of virtual support groups below.
IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUPS
In-Person Support Groups
Encinitas
Postpartum Therapy Group(Online)
A support group for moms struggling with depression or anxiety. In this group, you will learn the importance of coping skills and self-care; understand how you have changed; improve your relationship with your partner; and developing your attachment with your baby. Group is for 6 weeks for $240. For more information, email info@headwaytherapygroup.com
Hillcrest
Transitions Women’s Group (Please Contact)
Are you going through a life transition, such as a new relationship, the birth of a child, divorce, parenting challenges, medical condition, menopause, empty nest, or loss of a loved one? We all go through periods in our life when a little extra support could be helpful. Our goal is to create a community of women in support of one another as we re-define identities, build self-awareness and esteem, take on new roles, or adjust to life stages. In doing so, we hope to identify and work towards our preferred ways of living and engaging with the world around us.
Email Mona to reserve your spot. Fee: $300 (prepaid) Duration: Ten 90-minute weekly sessions. Group Facilitator: Mona Klausing, LMFT, Licensed Therapist & Co-Director NISD Counseling: 3636 Fifth Avenue, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-786-5850; Email: mona@nisdcounseling.org, Web: www.monaklausing.com
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.
Email Mona to reserve your spot. Fee: $300 (prepaid) Duration: Ten 90-minute weekly sessions. Group Facilitator: Mona Klausing, LMFT, Licensed Therapist & Co-Director NISD Counseling: 3636 Fifth Avenue, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: 619-786-5850; Email: mona@nisdcounseling.org, Web: www.monaklausing.com
Kearny Mesa
My Brain & My Baby is a Perinatal Mental Wellness program providing individual and group therapeutic counseling by mental health clinicians via telemedicine. Our group sessions are in-person and hybrid, led by Marleys Padilla, LCSW, PMH-C. Group sessions allow new parents to connect with others to discuss topics from complicated pregnancies to NICU journeys. Following group NICU moms will have the opportunity to shop in our baby boutique for FREE! For more information and to register, contact Lucy Vasquez 858-633-8540 or email help@miraclebabies.orgies.org.
A FREE Postpartum Support Group for women at the Sharp Mary Birch Outpatient Pavilion- at 5075 Health Center Drive, San Diego CA 92123. For questions and to access the virtual group, call 858-939-4133. Groups held on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00am.
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.
Postpartum Support Group (Temporarily Online)
Free support group Thursdays, 2:30 to 3:30pm at the Sharp Grossmont Women's Center, run by Lori Alford, LCSW. Register online. For more information please call 619.740.3483
SHARP Grossmont: Pregnancy and Childbirth Classes
4-week Program: February 19, March 4, March 11, March 18
When: Mondays 5:45 pm-6:45 pm
Where: AlignSD Wellness Center
2525 Camino Del Rio S, Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92108
(located in Mission Valley)
Cost: $30 a class, 4 class package for $90
Week 1: PMADs 101/Mental Health during pregnancy
Week 2: Navigating Interpersonal Relationships
Week 3: The Shift: New Identities with Motherhood
Week 4: Postpartum Planning: Thrive with Baby
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
North Park
Ocean Beach
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.
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
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 Grossmont Breastfeeding Support Group
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
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 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
North Park
Lactation consultant supported group
Open house style, Tuesday’s 2:30-4pm Weigh in available