San Diego Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Groups
Browse our ever-growing list of educational, community, and therapeutic groups below.
Please note: While group providers have demonstrated a passionate and specific specialty in serving families and women in the perinatal period, PHA does not endorse any specific providers or groups. We do our best to update this list regularly, but please contact facilitators ahead of time to verify all information. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact our warm line and a trained PHA volunteer would be happy to assist you in finding a support group near you.
COVID Resources: In response to local health recommendations, our amazing PHA members have moved many of their traditionally in-person groups online. Please view the list of ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS below.
Postpartum Support Groups
Weekly Support Group hosted by Postpartum Support International
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Get comfortable and listen and share your stories about motherhood. Meetings in Spanish offered. To register visit:http://www.postpartum.net/psi-online-support-meetings/
Sharp Mary Birch Tuesday Dial In Group
This is a free support group through Sharp. Call the Sharp Mary Birch Social Work/Clinical Counseling Department at 858-939-4133 to sign up and get dial in instructions. Group will be held 9:30-11AM on Tuesdays.
Coping with Uncertainty and Anxiety
This group, led by Elana Zagorsky, LCSW, is for those seeking emotional and psychological support in coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Together, we will confront issues like anxiety, depression, emotional well-being, and adjustment struggles. The group is ideal for families, individuals, or groups of friends who are isolated, or getting cabin fever from a quarantine. We’ll share our unique experiences with one another, learn coping strategies, and enjoy the company of our new community. Schedule: Once weekly, dates TBD. Cost: $30/session. For more info and to sign up, visit this link.
Online 6 Week Series – Coping Skills for Self-Care, Improve Communication
A support group for new moms. 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. Meetings are online through Zoom. For more information and to join: Please call 760-496-8941 or email info@headwaytherapygroup.com.
Online Meetup Group with Cara Fairfax, LCSW
This is an online group (not therapy) via Meetup for parents to ‘gather’, talk, share, and support one another as they cope with the social impact of COVID19. More info here.
Motherhood is hard, but talking about it shouldn’t be! Join us weekly for self care, community and support. In this virtual support group, connect with other new moms who are learning to manage the challenges of postpartum life. Each week will be loosely structured with a self care topic. Pregnant mamas are also encouraged to attend! Donation based, more info here.
Well Mama’s Tribe
Well-Mamas Counseling is offering our Well-Mamas Tribe support group in a virtual platform. Our group is being offered twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturday mornings). Mamas are able to sign up on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/well-mamas-tribe-virtual-support-group-tickets-100055982136). The cost of participating is $10. If finances are an issue, email for a discount link.
Two thirds of couples report their relationship satisfaction tanks after the birth of a child. Naturally, we shift our focus to caring for a newborn. But maintaining a strong and supportive relationship with our partner is one of the most important foundations we can provide our children. So how do we take care of our romantic relationship as we make the transition to becoming parents and a family? Make a commitment to your relationship by enrolling in the online course “Relationships After Baby.” You can take it alone or with your partner, before baby comes, or at any point after becoming parents. In this inclusive, online course, you’ll find seven videos, 20+ lectures combining readings, a private discussion forum, and questions for guided journaling and/or discussion with your partner. As a bonus, there are over 12 free handouts and worksheets to download on getting sleep for the whole family, sex postpartum, anger and how to structure communication! Visit: www.RelationshipsAfterBaby.com
Postpartum Surf Therapy
We provide small group surf therapy programs for self-identified women to expand themselves through self love, sea love, and surfsisterhood. Along with learning how to surf, participants will engage in mindfulness, yoga, mental health awareness, ocean conservation, self love and community healing. Register today and be delightfully surprised by how Mother Ocean can transform, empower, heal and unite you with a beautiful community! Ask about their specific postpartum surf therapy programs. For more info visit http://www.groundswellcommunity.org
Pregnancy Support Groups
Pregnant During a Pandemic
This group, led by Elana Zagorsky, LCSW, is for pregnant women coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Elana specialize in anxiety, as well as perinatal mental health, depression, and adjustment struggles. Her aim in facilitating the group is to help you to feel less anxious, and more resilient and connected. We’ll share our stressors, coping tips, sense of humor, and lively conversation. Make new friends, feel a part of the community and gain support through these difficult times. Schedule: Once weekly, dates TBD. Cost: $30/session. For more info and to sign up, visit this link.
Labor as Meditation: Practical Tips for Coping During Unmedicated Birth
Coaching, support and education for labor and birth during this time of physical distancing. Visit link for more info.
Online educational course around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and how to prevent them. Find a self-paced program with readings, guided journaling, a private community, and videos. Psychotherapist and perinatal mental health expert Abby (Abigail Burd, LCSW, BDC, PMH-C, LCS 26867). provides evidenced based skills and strategies you will normally find only in therapy to prevent postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. You can take this course from your own home when pregnant, or any time after becoming a parent. Don’t just survive the fourth trimester and transition to parenthood, but thrive! Visit: www.PreventPPD.com
Infant Sleep Support
Sleep Talking Tuesdays- FREE Online Q & A Sleep Support on Zoom offered by Jen Varela of Sugar Night Night
Sleep Talking Tuesdays on Social Media – Instagram and Facebook
Join Jen Varela from Sugar Night on Tuesdays on social media. She will be answering questions weekly about sleep on Instagram/Facebook on Tuesdays under Instagram stories. On Mondays, I open up the poll for questions on Instagram, and I post the answers on both platforms on Tuesday evening. Instagram: @sugarnightnight
Fertility and Loss Support
6-week Mind-Body Fertility Support Group
Join Rachel Rabinor, psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for this online 6-Week Mind-Body fertility Support Group. Share as much or as little as you like. Listen to others. Feel the power of community. Reach out for support during this challenging time in your life and know you are not alone! Throughout the six weeks we’ll explore issues related to fertility challenges, including the impact on identity, self-esteem, sexuality and relationships. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice relaxation and other mind/body coping skills each week. While we can’t change the stressors you experience each day, we can help you learn to manage your response to allow you to live more comfortably and engage with life more fully.
Star Legacy Foundation Support Groups
Star Legacy Foundation provides live, interactive, online support groups for families who have experienced a perinatal loss and for individuals experiencing a pregnancy after a loss. Groups are held via HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing and facilitated by trained mental health professionals. You do not need a video camera on your computer to attend but it is very helpful if you do.
Registration required for first session only – after that participants will receive a reminder email prior to each session.
Support Group Facilitators include: Debbie Fischer, MS< LAMFT, Joanne O’Leary, PhD, Doug Stewart and Kathleen Massmann, LAMFT
IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUPS
Banker’s Hill
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.” Amid laughter, tears, babies, and REAL conversations, here you’ll build lifelong friendships, gain practical skills and perspective, and leave confident you’re doing it “right.” Founded 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. Located at the Future Generations’ Center for Healthy Families – 3355 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Group registration opens monthly. www.sdmommyandme.com
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 Thursday mornings April 9 – May 28 from 10:30am – 12:30pm. Cost is $550. Contact Rachel Rabinor, LCSW for more information and registration: rachel@rachelrabinor.com
City Heights
New Parent Support Group
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
NICU Families Support Group
Many parents are on auto-pilot while their babies are hospitalized and its only after they go home that the traumatic effect starts to be felt. Learning how to adjust to life after the NICU can be difficult. Join us for a monthly support group specifically for parents who have experienced the NICU. In this safe place you can share your story, express your fears and celebrate your progress with other parents who uniquely understand what you have been through. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30PM , please call to pre-register 619-219-4313 carafairfaxlcsw@gmail.com
Little Frogs and Polliwogs
Support and education for mother of crawlers and walkers who are coping with depression and anxiety. 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 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Space is limited for each group. Please call to learn more and find out which group has openings. Please call to pre-register 619-219-4313 carafairfaxlcsw@gmail.com
Well Mamas Tribe
Build your tribe of support to ease your transition with your new baby. Develop and practice new coping strategies to reduce feelings of insecurity and fear in your role as a mama. Gain confidence and skills to better bond with your baby during 4 hands on coaching session that cover topics such as reading your babies cues, sleep/feeding support and infant massage. 8-week group. Sundays 1:30-3pm. Cost $240. Facilitated by Claudia Rios-Gastelum, LMFT & Itzel Ballew, LMFT www.wellmamastribe.com
Well Mamas Tribe (en Español)
Construir tu grupo de apoyo-la tribu maternal-para reducir el estres durante tu transition maternal. Desarrollar y practicar nuevas estrategias para reducir inseguridades y temores que bienen a raiz de tener un bebe. Crea confianza y habilidades para vincularse mejor con su bebé durante la sesiónes de entrenamiento que cubre temas como entender las señales de sus bebé y el masaje infantil. 8 semanas. Lunes 6-7:30pm. Tarifa $240. Este grupo esta facilitado por terapeutas familiares que son bilingües (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists): Claudia Rios-Gastelum, LMFT #97284 y
Itzel Ballew, LMFT #101210. www.wellmamastribe.com
Downtown
Circle of Security Parenting Group
At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child
might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able
to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The
Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research
about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and
strengthened. More information, upcoming dates, and contact info
online at: www.jillianearlylcsw.com/circl
Parents of Wildlings Therapeutic Group
Come join parents of infants and toddlers (mothers, fathers, and all partners welcome) in a nourishing, supportive atmosphere! We’ll meet together weekly to share our challenges and victories, and to learn actionable strategies from a Licensed Psychotherapist. This group is appropriate for parents experiencing anxiety or depression and their partners, as well as those simply struggling to adjust to the challenges of parenthood. Topics covered include identity/role shifts, self-care strategies, navigating others’ expectations, relationship challenges, and emotional and physical changes. Childcare is FREE, and infants are welcome in the room during group if you’d like. You’ll find the most support by coming weekly, but drop-ins are also welcome. Facilitated by Amy Lajiness, LCSW. Group meets 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM on Wednesdays from 2/12/20-4/1/20 at CO/CREATE, 4031 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110. Fee is $20 for CO/CREATE members / $30 non-members, including free childcare. Register online or email me at amy@innernaturetherapy.com.
Encinitas
General Support Group
A general support group for new moms to discuss the changes and challenges of new parenthood. For more information email info@headwaytherapygroup.com.
Postpartum Therapy Group
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. For more information, email info@headwaytherapygroup.com.
Bringing Baby Home Group
An educational group to help support parents adapt to the challenges of growing their family and building a solid relationship foundation to support one other. For more information, email info@headwaytherapygroup.com.
Moms in Bloom
Hillcrest
Transitions Women’s Group
Are you going through a life transition, such as a new relationship, birth of a child, divorce, parenting challenge, 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
Modern Dating & Relationships, A Group of Women
What does it mean to be in a relationship? What does it mean to be a partner? How do I maintain and develop my individual identity while playing an active role in my intimate relationship? If you are a woman age 18-34 and have ever asked yourself the above questions, you are in the right place. Join us in building a community of women who are eager to explore their relationships with themselves and their partners in a safe, collaborative space. Weekly topics include relationship in the media, relationships in social context, nontraditional relationships, technology and relationships. There are eight weekly sessions on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30pm. $80 prepaid (payment plan available) or $10/session. Facilitated by Elana Richmond and Rachel Tumlos, pre-licensed marriage and family therapists working under the supervision of NISD Co-Director, Mona Klausing, LMFT #101243. Located at 3636 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92103. Call or email to reserve a spot: 619-786-7184 or info@nisdcounseling.org.
Kearny Mesa
Postpartum Support Group
A FREE Postpartum Support Group at the Sharp Mary Birch Outpatient Pavilion- Room A & B at 5075 Health Center Drive, San Diego CA 92123. No registration needed, drop-ins welcomed! For questions, call 858-939-4141. Groups held on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00 am.
La Jolla
Postpartum Support Group
A FREE Postpartum Support Group meets on the second Thursday of each month, 2:00 -3:30 pm, at the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Pre-registration is required. Please call 858-626-6364 to register.
La Mesa
Postpartum Support Group
Free support group Monday at 9am at the Sharp Grossmont Women’s Center, run by Lori Alford, LCSW. For more information please call 619.740.3483
Postpartum Support Group at San Diego Breastfeeding Center
Postpartum is hard, but talking about it doesn’t have to be. Join Carly Jean Wright, Associate Social Worker, Postpartum Doula & Coach for new moms in this free weekly support group to connect with other families in postpartum.
In this semi structured weekly group, we will discuss different self care topics and the general ups and downs of postpartum. This is a great opportunity to build your circle of support, spend some time caring for you and learning new skills to master this phase of your life.
GROUP INFO: Fee: None Place: San Diego Breastfeeding Center (8325 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942) Date and Time: Every Monday, starting March 2nd, from 11am-12pm See calendar for details.
Here is where your clients can find more information: https://www.sdbfc.com/support-groups
Mission Hills
Variety of Support and Education Groups
Located at CO/CREATE in Mission Hills and Liberty Station (also find info under Point Loma NTC). For more info visit www.cocreatecommunity.com
North Park
Maiden to Mother Support Group
A circle of new motherhood led by a woman of wisdom, in a nurturing supportive environment. The group covers breastfeeding, natural baby health, baby sleep options, baby wearing, cloth and diaper free options and postpartum concerns. This is a FREE class. Babies are welcome. Groups held each Friday from 12:45-2:00 pm at Nature’s Whisper School of Yoga, 4205 Park Blvd, San Diego CA 92103.
Perinatal and Postpartum Support
Free Community Group is Thursdays 12-1pm 4443 30th St, Ste 205 San Diego 92116. Scale Available as well as support from Midwife, IBCLC and CLE.
Point Loma
New Mothers Support
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
Military Mamas Support Group
A support group for active duty members or dependents who are pregnant or postpartum. Babies up to 12 months are welcome to attend. The group meets Tuesdays from 1330-1430 at NTC – Conference Room, 2nd Deck, Section B. 2051 Cushing Rd. 92106. Registration is not required.
Journey of the Lotus 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 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
Variety of Support and Education Groups
Located at CO/CREATE in Liberty Station and Mission Hills (also find info under Mission Hills). For more info visit www.cocreatecommunity.com
South Park
Baby Garten New Mom Support Group
Free Moms Support Group led by Jaimi Martin, LCSW. This group is a FREE group for New Moms held every Wednesday of each month from 1:15pm – 2:15pm. Usually guest speakers are present. Babies welcome! Located at the Baby Garten Studio, 1947 30th Street, South Park CA 92102. For questions or to RSVP, please email jaimi@womanhoodcounseling.com.
Vista
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Banker’s Hill
Breastfeeding Mothers Circle
Free Breastfeeding Support Group every Wednesday from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Come do weighted feeds and get help from IBCLCS and join the loving community of other mothers with babies. Partners welcome and encouraged!
Hillcrest
The Mother’s Circle: Parenting & Breastfeeding Support Group
Spend time with other moms 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 breastfeeding assistance will be offered by a registered lactation consultant. The Mother’s Circle is a free group led by Ruth Hale, CLEC, and Ashley Tehrani, IBCLC on Wednesdays from 11:30am-1pm at The SD Breastfeeding Center: 8325 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942.
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.
North Park
Boobies and Babies
Lactation consultant supported group
Open house style
Tuesday’s 2:30-4pm
Weigh in available
https://clients.
University Heights
Breastfeeding Support
Free support group to ALL New Mothers – breastfeeding or otherwise. The support group is held every Wednesday from 11am – 1230pm led by a Certified Lactation Educator. The group is held at Nature’s Whisper Yoga Studio, 4205 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92103. Pre/Post feed weights, supply issues, difficulty latching, concerns about weight gain, returning to work and pumping, weaning, breastfeeding supplies for sale, meet other Moms and discuss any and all topics related to Mothering. Contactinfo@mothertomothermidwifery.com.
Click here for a full list of breastfeeding groups around SD County
Infertility Support Groups
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
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
Infant-Sleep Support Groups
Online
Join this private online video conference or call-in. Ask your questions and benefit from hearing other parents’ questions, too. First-Come-First-Serve Basis – As many questions as possible will be answered in an hour. On select Tuesdays, view calendar to see this months FREE Q & A Sleep Support. Registration Required. Hosted by sleeping training expert, Jen Varela of Sugar Night Night.
Call our warmline at 619-254-0023 to receive referrals to postpartum depression resources and mental health providers specializing in the treatment of perinatal mood disorders.
Take a postpartum depression self-test, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.