Why New Parent Support Groups Are a Lifeline (and How a Breastfeeding Group Became Mine)
By Annie Guevara (Postpartum Doula & Lactation Counselor, Doulacta) &
Ashley Halverson (LCSW, Inclusive Reproductive Healing)
From Isolation to Connection: Annie’s Story
When I became a new mom, I felt pretty alone. Feeding a baby every two hours left little time to do much else, and my breastfeeding journey had a rocky start after multiple interventions and medications during birth.
I had taken lactation classes, but what really helped me was advice from my Bradley Method childbirth instructor: find an in-person breastfeeding support group, before baby is born.
So I did. With my pregnant belly, I showed up to two La Leche League meetings—one in a mom’s living room, another in the break room of a local grocery store.
Those experiences shaped my postpartum journey in two powerful ways:
- Normalizing breastfeeding and motherhood – It’s one thing to read about it, but seeing other moms nurse openly and share their struggles made me feel less “different”. Beyond feeding, I loved hearing how others approached daily life as new moms. I picked up many tricks to make my life easier and felt reassured that my worries and feelings were normal.
- Having a place to turn – On the days I needed encouragement or just wanted to be around other moms and babies, I knew exactly where to go.
Years later, when I was pregnant again, I went back to those groups for support with gently weaning my toddler. And after moving to a new city, I joined them virtually—another lifeline that reminded me I didn’t have to breastfeed and mother alone.
While my path into the mom community was through breastfeeding, the truth is this: whether it’s a lactation group, a new mom circle, or any safe space with other parents, the impact is the same. Support groups are not just “nice extras”—they are essential for connection, confidence, and feeling less alone in the early days of parenthood, especially as a first-time parent.
Ashley’s Perspective: Why Connection Matters
As a perinatal mental health therapist, I strongly encourage clients to seek out support groups in conjunction with therapy and medication treatment. It is well documented that support groups can improve mental health outcomes as well as be a protective factor against developing a perinatal mood disorder, such as Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety. Lack of support can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Nothing feels better than being seen and understood by others, especially people going through the exact same experience as you.
Often there is a fear of judgement with a support group; it’s hard to be a new mom! The good news is a) you can choose how much or how little you want to share and participate in groups, and b) you may learn new information about a topic you were feeling too scared to talk about without ever having to bring it up yourself. Trust me, if you are having an experience, another mom has too.
Lastly, support groups may be hosted by professionals and trained paraprofessionals who have vast, evidence-based knowledge about a variety of topics. They can provide updated and new information as well as connect you to various other providers to address any concerns that you or your baby may be experiencing. I often collaborate with various providers to make sure parents and their infants have all of the resources and support they need. Support groups aren’t just social time, they can be a place of resources, resilience, and safety.
Annie’s story elegantly illustrates just how much of an impact support groups can have; Annie had a place to go when she felt scared or didn’t know who to ask for help. Some of the connections made in these groups may even last a lifetime.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In today’s world, parenting can feel like an individual activity, because friends and family may work, extended family may live far away, workplaces don’t always support postpartum needs, and social media can leave us thinking we are not doing it well enough.
In-person and virtual support groups fill that gap.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a new or expecting parent, know this: seeking community is not indulgent, it’s essential. There are many parent groups throughout San Diego so find one where you feel like you belong, or where you can go to get answers, guidance or just some empathy. Caring for parents, especially in their fourth trimester, will reflect in their mental and emotional health.
At LoveStrong Wellness, we offer free weekly support groups for new mom and babies, because parenthood is not something you should have to figure out alone.
Annie from Doulacta hosts weekly new mom & breastfeeding support groups in Chula Vista. For more details visit her website https://www.doulacta.com/
