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UPDATED: It Takes a Village ... New Mom Groups in DC

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a transformational life event that comes with highs, lows and every feeling on the spectrum - many of them at the same time. Becoming a parent changes your relationship to yourself, your partner, your priorities, your career, your family, your friends, and every aspect of your life. Processing these changes with a community of other new parents in a similar stage of life can have a significant impact on a new parent's confidence in herself and help connect her to a community, practical information and helpful resources.

We're lucky to have multiple new parent groups in the DC area. Keep reading to learn more about options for new parents.

Transition to Motherhood Support Group at Edlavitch DCJCC

The Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC) offers a five-week Transition to Motherhood Support Group led by a licensed clinical psychologist. This program provides a supportive environment for new mothers to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. The group meets weekly and covers topics such as concerns about childbirth and parenting, balancing family with work, and navigating new relationships. Babies are warmly welcomed to join.

P.A.C.E. (Parenting and Childbirth Education) Moms Groups

P.A.C.E. is a non-profit organization providing over 70 educational and emotional support groups for first and second-time moms in D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. These groups are well-known for their cohort approach and the friendships that result. The expert-guided group conversations offer a space to share experiences and gain insights into specific parenting challenges. ​PACE group leaders hold advanced mental health degrees.

Mama Love Collective

Based in Silver Spring, MD Mama Love Collective is dedicated to creating supportive communities for parents from pregnancy through parenthood, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared experiences. Founded by a birth and postpartum doula, and a practitioner with advanced degrees in women's holistic health, the collective offers a range of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of mothers and families including Mamas Circles. These open, supportive groups provide mothers with newborns a space to discuss changing identities, relationships, and the challenges of early parenthood. Meetings are held in welcoming environments, allowing for authentic connections among participants. ​

The 4th Trimester Initiative by District Motherhued

​The 4th Trimester Initiative by District Motherhued is designed to support mothers during the critical 12-week period following childbirth, recognizing the significant physical and emotional changes experienced during this time. Each month, the initiative selects ten mothers who have given birth within the past three months and pairs them with experienced members from the District Motherhued® Society, known as Mommy Buddies. Over a three-week period, participants receive a New Mom Welcome Box, regular check-ins from their Mommy Buddy, and one meal for their household. This program aims to provide rest, healing, love, and support to new mothers as they navigate early motherhood.

Petworth Peanuts

Petworth Peanuts is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that connects and supports parents of infants and young children in the Greater Petworth community of Washington, D.C. Their programming includes newborn cohorts, community service initiatives, educational events, social gatherings, and playdates. The Newborn Cohorts meet weekly for three months, offering both in-person and virtual sessions with expert guest speakers on topics such as postpartum mental health, infant care, and development.

Fairfax County Mothers of Multiples (FCMOM)

You can learn more about the group here: https://fcmom.wildapricot.org.

FCMOM is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that supports parents and expectant parents of twins, triplets, and higher-order multiples in Northern Virginia. Through the group, I’ve been able to connect with other moms who truly understand the unique challenges (and joys!) of raising multiples. They offer:

* In-person meetings and playdates that help new moms build community and share advice

* Family-friendly events throughout the year

* A support group for expectant and new moms of multiples, focused on navigating pregnancy, NICU experiences, and the early months at home

Thank you to Angela for suggesting the addition to our list!

Mamistad - The New Mom Network

As new moms, none of us plan to be isolated - but it can happen before we realize it! If you're pregnant, let's avoid it, if your baby's here - let's overcome it!

Mamistad forms first-time pregnant and new moms' groups for moms in DC/NOVA who are due or delivered their first baby within 3-4 months of one another. We share essential information and resources through our website and Mom Chat with Mamistad Podcast, to help moms feel seen and supported.

Thank you to Cynthia for suggesting this addition to our list!

Remember, seeking support is a proactive step toward well-being. These organizations are here to assist you through your postpartum journey.​

Did you do a new parent group and want to share your feedback for other moms? Did we miss any?

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