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
PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, community health officials strongly discourage in-person gatherings of any size. For this reason, many community support groups have temporarily suspended services or moved online. Due to this rapidly evolving situation, we strongly encourage you to contact facilitators ahead of time to verify all information and vet safety protocols.
Flourishing Through Postpartum- San Diego Postpartum Support Group
Join other postpartum parents for this free weekly support group. This group is run by a Postpartum Coach and 5 Doulas/Birth Workers that rotate each week for a total of two birth workers at each meeting.
Please bring a blanket and your baby/babies and join us as we talk about different topics that support you through postpartum. We will dedicate most of the time to processing what you’re going through and peers will be available to provide support.
Group begins Monday, June 7 and will run each Monday from 10-11am at various park locations throughout San Diego. Registration, additional details, and schedule can be found HERE.
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
Daring Women: Daring Greatly (Please Contact)
This group is based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown around shame, vulnerability and courage. The curriculum is designed to help participants develop greater self-awareness and gain new skills and comfort with having the permission and courage to show up and be seen.
This group would be a good fit for anyone who struggles with perfectionism, scarcity mindset, comparison or feeling not enough– themes we see so often in reproductive and perinatal mental health. This is an 8 week workshop that meets on Friday Afternoons from 12:30pm – 2:00pm. Cost is $550. Contact Rachel Rabinor, LCSW for more information and registration: rachel@rachelrabinor.com
City Heights
New Parent Support Group (Temporarily Suspended)
Fridays (4:00- 5:30 pm) the Center for Community Counseling will be holding a weekly new parent support group. We invite parents and their children (0-24 mos old) to discuss relevant topics to their transitions into and experiences with parenthood. Topics will include but aren’t limited to building strong family connections, self-care, and creating support. There is a suggested donation of $12, however, there are accommodations that we are happy to make for those who cannot afford the fee.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the group and waitlist, please contact the CCCE either by e-mail at csp@ccce@gmail.com or by phone at 619-594-4918. Please be sure to leave contact information so we can get back to you as soon as possible. Our clinic is located at 4283 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego CA 92105. For further information on the clinic, please go to http://www.centerforcommunitycounseling.org.
Clairemont
Co-parenting with a Narcissist
Support group for moms and dads who are trying to parent with high-conflict/pathologically ill co-parent. This group is not specific to parents of young kids but does tend to attract parents with younger kids. Its held monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month from 6-7:30 PM and is $40. Please call to pre-register 619-219-4313 carafairfaxlcsw@gmail.com.
Support and education for mother of crawlers and walkers (up to 6yo) who are coping with depression, anxiety, etc. Education is based on positive parenting and nurtures the child/parent attachment. Join us for a safe, honest conversation about the realities of parenting a very young child. Learn how to cope with and manage behavior changes in your young child and understand why they behave the way they do. Cara, Early Childhood and Family Therapist, facilitates this group on the group. This group is held on the 2nd and 4th MONDAY (used to be a Tuesday) from 6-7:30 PM and is virtual at this time. The cost is $35 per session. Here is a link: https://carafairfax.
Encinitas
The New Mom School (In Person Classes)
Our life-changing classes equip you with everything you need to know as a new mom. Moms are placed in a class based on their baby’s birth month so that all moms are experiencing the same phase in motherhood. Our team of experts is comprised of the very best in the community who visit your class throughout the series bringing the most current, research-based information to help support you through your journey as a new mom. Each week you will learn so much more than you ever expected or thought you needed to know, all while making lifelong friends, strengthening the bond with your baby and of course laughing and crying! Let’s just be honest, there’s a lot of crying after a new baby. So, while everyone (including you) is focused on your new baby, we focus on you! Each class series is 10 weeks and meets for 90 minutes each week. To view the schedule and register for class, visit: https://thenewmomschool.com/encinitas-classes/. Email hello@newmomschool.com with any questions!
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.
Moms in Bloom (Please Contact)
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
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.
The location will be outside & socially distanced in a park. A mask requirement will be strictly enforced.
La Mesa
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)
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
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.
Point Loma – NTC
Journey of the Lotus Postpartum Support Class (Online)
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 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. I asked that you are cleared from your physician to practice yoga. Anywhere from 3 weeks post delivery vaginal birth, 5-8 for C-section. Class Details: Every Tuesday at 11am. Location: Co/Create Community 4031 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, Ca. Cost: $11. Class updates on Instagram. @diana.curiel.bamford and Website: https://www.thejourneyofthelotus.com/journey-of-the-lotus-8-part-petal-p
Vista
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Due to this rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact facilitators ahead of time to verify all information and vet safety protocols.
Mission Valley
Breastfeeding Support
Free support group to new breastfeeding mothers. The support group is held every Tuesday from 10:30am-12:00pm by Heather Shabestari, BS, IBCLC, CLEC at Hapa Yoga studio, 4242 Camino Del Rio N #10, San Diego, CA 92108. Facilitator answers questions new mothers may have and provides a baby scale to the participants. Drop in’s welcome.
Postpartum Support Group at San Diego Breastfeeding Center
San Diego Breastfeeding Center was created to offer families in San Diego, and throughout the world, a judgment-free resource for qualified information and personalized assistance as they face the challenges of breast/chest-feeding and parenting. SDBFC was created in 2009 by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and mom, Robin Kaplan, as a source of ongoing support for other breast/chest-feeding families.
Through a wide range of breast/chest-feeding consultations, classes, clinics, support groups, online articles, and social media, we are your one-stop-shop for all things breast/chest-feeding!
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 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.
Infertility Support Groups
Due to this rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact facilitators ahead of time to verify all information and vet safety protocols.
Escondido
This group is for a woman at any point in her infertility journey. It is a safe place to share and get support for the impact of infertility on your life, and to learn coping strategies for the emotional, physical and relational stresses of reproductive difficulties. You will learn and practice techniques for relaxation and focus based on mind/body work. In addition, you will receive information and support in the areas of self-esteem, decision-making, relationship difficulties, and preventing and managing anxiety and depression. Cost is $50/group ($45 with code PHA15). Six session commitment and registration required. Located at127 East Third Avenue, Suite 201, Escondido, CA 92025. Current group held Mondays at 6:00PM. Contact: Rachael Stracka, LCSW at inpsychcenter@gmail.com or 760.489.1092
Mission Valley
“Trying to Conceive”
Fee: $20 per individual/$30 per couple
Date: Every Wednesday from 6:00-7:00
Location: 2333 Camino Del Rio S, #160, San Diego, CA 92108
Contact Info: kirsten.badre@gmail.com or 619-798-6106
Website: www.kbadre.com
Banker’s Hill
6-week Mind-Body Fertility Support Group
For women experiencing primary or secondary infertility. The group focuses on both skills and support, offering women coping strategies for the anxiety, stress, loneliness and isolation that so often accompany the fertility journey.
In addition we explore issues related to fertility challenges, including the impact on identity, self-esteem, sexuality and relationships.
April: 17, 24
May: 1, 8, 15 and 29 (No group on 5/22)
Time: 12:15 – 1:45pm — Please feel free to bring your lunch
Cost: $300 for 6-week group (or $60 per group*)
Location: Banker’s Hill, San Diego
Maximum Group Size: Ten. This group is intentionally kept small to provide an intimate environment for maximum connection and benefit for participants.
Registration: An intake is required for all new clients. Intake appointments last 45 – 50 minutes and can be scheduled in-person, by phone or by video. There is a $130 fee for the intake appointment.
* Cigna insurance accepted
Perinatal Loss Support Groups
Due to this rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you to contact facilitators ahead of time to verify all information and vet safety protocols.
SD County (multiple locations)
Empty Cradle
Our monthly group meetings provide a forum for the open discussion of feelings and concerns. Parents are free to share in whatever way is most comfortable for them. Although there are no simple answers to the complex emotions surrounding the death of a baby, mutual reassurance is obtained in the group setting. We offer 5 peer support meetings at 5 different locations each month. www.emptycradle.com
North Park
Perinatal Loss Group
Military Parent Support Groups
If you are active military duty, please reach out to your Family Readiness Officer to get connected to the New Parent Support Program on your base.