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
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
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
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
Baby and Me Postpartum Wellness Group
Participants will bond over the ups and downs of parenthood and learn tangible tools to make it a little easier. This group is open to participants who are on their first child or second (+) because each postpartum period brings newness. Group meets in-person at San Diego Jewish Academy Early Childhood Center, 11860 Carmel Creek Rd., San Diego, CA 92130. Facilitated by Gabi Kass, LPCC, PMH-C, owner of Imagine Therapy California. For more information, contact Gabi at gabi@imaginetherapyca.com
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
Primary (In)fertility Therapy Group
The journey to build a family can be lonely, scary and isolating when things aren’t going as you’d anticipated. Maybe you’ve lost touch with some of your friends or they just don’t understand what you’re going through. Even family, while well-meaning, often don’t get it.
The anxiety and stress of struggling to conceive, or maintain a pregnancy can feel overwhelming and the challenges of day to day life can make this time even more difficult. Perhaps you’re not sure what your next step is and how to navigate this stage of your life- this stage you never imagined having to go through in the first place. You don’t have to wrestle with all of this on your own! Please join us.
This 8-week group is for those struggling with:
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Anxiety, stress and/or overwhelm
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Feelings of isolation, loneliness or depression
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Relationship strains with your partner or other important people in your life
Time: Please email Rachel to for more information or to schedule your intake appointment.
Cost: $85 per group session; 8-week commitment required.
Maximum Group Size: Six. Groups are intentionally kept small to provide an intimate environment for maximum connection and benefit for participants.
Registration: An intake is required and will be conducted in-person or via Zoom. Intake appointments are 30 – 40 minutes and will require you to complete registration paperwork in advance.
Free 15-minute phone consultations are available for those seeking more information about the group. Groups will begin in February, April, July, September, and November of 2025. Please reach out to inquire about exact start dates.
San Diego
A group for adult women who would like to embrace their authentic selves, expand their self-awareness, and become more fully alive in their relationships. This is a diverse group of adult women who want to explore a variety of interpersonal and personal issues. Members talk openly and honestly about our lives as well as the experience in the here-and-now with one another. Members offer feedback and support for one another, and afford each other opportunities to experiment with new ways of relating. Group members also learn how to better express themselves in the moment.
This group meets weekly on Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm; contact Rachel Rabinor for registration details.
Therapists in Training Process Group
This process-oriented group is for therapists in training who would like to explore how our interpersonal patterns translate into our personal lives as well as how these patterns affect our relationships with (and the treatment of) clients. A process-oriented group with some conversation around professional issues, made just for therapists in training.
This group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30pm, or Thursdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Global Babies Club New Parent Support Group
A support group for postpartum parents with children under 2 years old to connect with peers and get free education with professionals. We offer private infant feeding consults from 11am – 12pm conducted by an IBCLC, as well as baby weight checks, milestone assessments, and adult blood pressure screenings. All are welcome, we have a focus on BIPOC families. Facilitated by Chardá Bell, IBCLC, CBE, CD and Roxanna Chavez, IBCLC. For details and registration, contact cbell@globalcommunities.org – Chardá Bell, lactation program manager.
Group meets at the following locations on the days/times listed below:
Tuesdays from 10am-12pm at 704 Euclid Ave., San Diego, 92114
Wednesdays from 10am-12pm at 564 N. 2nd St., El Cajon, 92019
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
Hillcrest
Feeding Group Fridays
The San Diego Community Birth Center offers a feeding group on Friday mornings at 11 am. It is facilitated by one of our midwives and offers feeding support for all sorts: breast, chest, bottle, you name it! Our group focuses on feeding your baby however you choose and building community. For more information, contact Nikki Helms, LM, CPM, CLEC at 619-269-6969 or visit https://www.sdcommunitybirthcenter.com/
Kearney Mesa
SHARP Breastfeeding Support Group
Breastfeeding Support Group at Sharp Mary Birch
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