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
Fallbrook
Journey of the Lotus "From Seed to Blossom" Postpartum Support Class
A space where Postpartum mOMs and mOMs experiencing Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorders can come and feel safe, supported, move, connect, ground and share their practice with their baby. This support class takes mOM on a journey to a mindful recovery, each class is designed to explore the important matters of the path, providing tools and resources while building a blooming community.
Using powerful tools such as Peer Support, Breath-Mindfulness, mOMmy-Baby Yoga and Reiki, the path of recovery is much stronger. The Benefits are endless. Newborns up to pre-crawling (around 9moths in age) are welcomed. Must be cleared from your physician to practice yoga. Anywhere from 3 weeks post delivery vaginal birth, 5-8 for C-section.
Class Details: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 9:30-11am. Class is FREE! Fallbrook Regional Health District, Community Health & Wellness Center: 1636 E. Mission Rd., Fallbrook, Ca. 92028
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.
Postpartum Support Group (Temporarily Online)
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 858-939-4141. Groups held on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00am.
Postpartum Support Group for Couples(Temporarily Online)
A FREE Postpartum Support Group at the Sharp Mary Birch Outpatient Pavilion designed for both partners to come and share their experiences. You will meet other couples going through similar challenges and learn how to navigate caring for a newborn and the transition as a new parent. For questions and to access the virtual group, call 858-939-4141. Groups held on the last Wednesday of Month 6:00- 7:30pm.
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
Well Mamas Self Care Support Group (in person)
Motherhood can already be such an isolating time for some and it's our priority to continue encouraging community care during these uncertain times. We dedicate a whole group to self-care because it’s the one thing we mamas need most. Mothering is often all about caring for others, this requires you to be emotionally, physically, and mentally available. Which is why you need time to recover. Self-care is not selfish. Taking time for yourself, to nourish and care for your mind, body & soul, is the best thing you can do for yourself & your family. The focus of our wellness support group is encouraging real and sustainable self-care practices to support the many roles we experience. We offer a warm and inviting space to share stories where our group leader provides immediate emotional support to navigate real motherhood experiences.
Our support group is semi-structured, meaning we present weekly topics that address motherhood experiences while also holding space for the personal needs of individuals and group members. Our hope is that each participant will begin and end a group series with each other encouraging and fostering mama relationships. Weekly topics address experiences that can be influenced by popular culture, society, technology, partner relationships, careers, baby/child development, and parenting.
Our groups are led by psychotherapists who also identify as mothers.Groups held Saturday mornings at Trolley Barn Park, space limited to 10. For more information visit www.wellmamascounseling.com
SHARP Grossmont: Pregnancy and Childbirth Classes
North Park
Milestones Mommy + Me
Open to all moms with babies 0-12 months; this is an 8-week, supportive + educational group series designed to help you combat information overload, navigate your experience, 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 8-week series meets once a week for 90 minutes. Group registration opens monthly. www.sdmommyandme.com
Point Loma
New Mothers Support (Please Contact)
New Mothers Support Group, Kaiser Permanente, Point Loma. A FREE group for the public and for Kaiser members. Offered on the third Thursday of the month from 1-2:30pm. Call 619-221-6114 for more information.
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
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
University Heights
Breastfeeding Support
Free support group to ALL New Mothers- breastfeeding or otherwise. The support group is held every Wednesday from 11am-12:30pm led by a Certified Lactation Educator at Nature's Whisper Yoga Studio, 4205 Park Blvd. Pre/post feed weights, supply issues, difficulty latching, concerns about weight gain, returning to work and pumping, and weening; breastfeeding supplies for sale, meet other Moms and discuss any and all topics related to Mothering. Contact info@mothertomothermidwifery.com.