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Pregnancy Resources & Support Groups for New Parents
Editor’s Note: While all attempts have been made to make these lists as accurate as possible, times and program availability may be subject to change. Please check information in advance to avoid disappointment. PREGNANCY RESOURCES
Education
Childbirth education classes are offered at most hospitals with birthing facilities. The following is a partial list: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Prenatal Education Program, 310-423-5168, www.csmc.edu/7119.html, L.A. – Offers Early-bird Pregnancy, Prepared Childbirth, Cesarean Birth/VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), Anesthesia Forum, Siblings at Birth and Infant Massage. East Valley Hospital, Babies Are Special Program, 626-852-5033, Glendora. – Offers basic baby care, Lamaze, breastfeeding and referrals for high-risk maternity. Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center (Women’s Resource Center), 800-779-6636, www.encino-tarzana.com, Tarzana. – Classes include The ABCs of Fatherhood, Childbirth Preparation and Parents Expecting Multiples. Glendale Adventist Medical Center, 818-409-8100, www.glendaleadventist.com, Glendale. – Breastfeeding Basics, Lamaze, Baby Care Basics and Infant CPR & Safety.
Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center, 818-502-4567, www.glendalememorial.com, Glendale. – Breastfeeding, nutrition, childbirth series and Lamaze. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, 562-933-0627, 800-636-6742, www.memorialcare.org/long_beach. – Childbirth preparation, refresher, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), family CPR and a Preparation for Childbirth Home Loan Program for mothers on bed rest. The Maple Counseling Center, Mindful Parenting Program, 310-271-9999, ext. 451, www.tmcc.org/programs/imh.htm. – Pregnancy Workshops for new mothers designed to enhance bonding and demystify motherhood while learning what to expect in the early months after delivery. Methodist Hospital, 800-950-2229, www.methodisthospital.org, Arcadia. Tender Beginnings course for low-income women: 626-574-3774. – Also offers Prepared Childbirth (Lamaze) and Tot CPR for Family and Friends, classes in English and Chinese. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, The Northridge Hospital Babies’ First, 818-885-5434, www.northridgehospital.com, Northridge. – Ready, Set, Let’s Parent!, childbirth preparation, nutrition, pain management, Tiny Tots tour and Journey to Fatherhood. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center (BabyWise), 818-847-4143, www.providence.org/losangeles, Mission Hills. – Baby care, childbirth preparation, Infant safety/CPR and Moms in Motion Fitness Class. Providence Saint Joseph’s Medical Center (BabyWise), 818-847-4143, www.providence.org/losangeles, Burbank. – Baby care, childbirth preparation, infant safety/CPR and Moms in Motion Fitness Class. Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center (The BirthPlace), 310-319-4947, www.healthcare.ucla.edu/hospitals/hospitals.htm. – Prenatal, high-risk perinatal care, breastfeeding, sibling, doula referrals, Lamaze and Bradley classes. Torrance Memorial Medical Center (Women’s Health Services), 310-517-4702, www.torrancememorial.org. – Healthy Parents/Healthy Babies, Newborn baby care, sibling, grandparenting and Infant CPR. Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 818-902-2982, www.valleypress.org, Van Nuys – Prepared Childbirth, Lamaze heart Saver CPR and Baby Beginnings Infant Care. Verdugo Hills Hospital (Mommy Care Program), 818-952-3575, www.vhhospital.org. – Offers extended nursing program with at-home visits to assess mother and baby as well as help with laundry, errands and other household needs. West Hills Hospital & Medical Center, PregnaGym and Women’s Resource Center, 818-676-4747, www.westhillshospital.com, West Hills. – Classes include parenting, grandparenting, breastfeeding and baby care. PregnaGym programs include yoga and aerobics for expectant mothers who’ve passed week 12 of pregnancy.
Organizations
California Association of Midwives, 800-829-5791, www.californiamidwives.org. – Directory of midwives across the Southland. Doulas of Southern California, 877-4-ADOULA (423-6852); www.dascdoulas.org. – Referrals to local doulas. Lamaze International – 800-368-4404, www.lamaze.org – Offers information on preparing for childbirth and referrals to local certified instructors. BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
On the Web
www.Breastfeeding.com – Offers information, support and links to retailers of nursing clothes, pumps and more. www.drspock.com – Answers questions and common problems about formula feeding. www.FamilyDoctor.org – Overview of formula types and sterilization tips as well as basic baby health info.
Organizations
Breastfeeding National Network, Medela Inc., 800-TELL-YOU (835-5968), www.medela.com. – Provides support and information on breast-pump rentals in your area. Also sells pumps. La Leche League – 800-LA-LECHE (525-3243); www.lalecheleaguescnv.org. – Provides information and encouragement through person-to-person support. Here is a partial listing of local chapters: Burbank/Glendale, 818-243-5725; Hollywood/Silverlake, 323-669-3366; Los Angeles/Westside, 310-285-9393; Pasadena, 626-403-9791; Santa Clarita, 661-295-1398; and South Bay and Greater Long Beach, 310-515-2002. Support
Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes and support. Here’s a roundup of additional resources in your area.
SUPPORT GROUPS FOR NEW PARENTS
General A Mother’s Haven, 818-380-3111, www.amothers-haven.com. – Provides education, support and friendship for moms of babies, toddlers, second-time moms and working moms. A Place for Parents, The Kiwanis Kottage, Santa Monica, 310-452-3881. – Offers ongoing toddler/infant and me classes, parent support groups and caregiver/teacher training. Baby’s First Class, Sherman Oaks, 818-501-BABY (2229) – Provides discussion classes for first-time moms, mothers of twins and second-time mothers. B-Dads, 818-379-3389, www.bdads.org. – Monthly meetings for fathers in need of fellowship and desiring to be better fathers. Boot Camp for New Dads, Northridge Hospital, 818-885-5434, www.newdads.com – Provides orientation on fatherhood with informative activities and resources. Cedars-Sinai Mother/Infant Support Group, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, L.A., 310-423-5168 (Parenting Group) – Services are offered for parents and their children ages newborn to 6. Center for Improvement of Child Caring, 818-980-0903, www.ciccparenting.org. – Offers parenting programs, classes and seminars in English and Spanish. Early Childhood Parenting Center (ECPC), 310-281-9770, www.parentingtots.org. – Offers a free Parenting Warm Line for parents with developmental concerns (non-medical) for children under age 6. Fees are on a sliding scale. Exceptional Children’s Foundation, Arleta, 818-830-6411. – Provides Mommy & Me classes for disabled and high-risk children led by child development professionals. From birth to age 3. Holistic Moms Network, 877-HOL-MOMS or visit www.holisticmoms.org. – Holds monthly meetings for dads, grandparents, moms and caregivers who have an interest in natural health and mindful parenting. Hot Moms Club, www.HMCmagazine.com. – Offers articles and resources for moms who refuse to check their sense of style and sexuality at the white picket fence. International MOMS Clubs – Support for stay-at-home mothers. Chapters located throughout L.A. County. Offers playgroups, activity groups and Mom’s Night Out. Send inquiries including your city, county, and zip code and $2 to: Inquiries, MOMS Club, 1464 Madera Rd., #N191, Simi Valley, CA 93065, www.momsclub.org and momsclub@aol.com. Love The Belly, Silverlake, 323-662-4200, www.lovethebelly.com. – Provides birthing education and services including midwives, doulas and lactation consultations. Mama Mia Support Group, the Pump Connection, Woodland Hills, 818-225-9101, www.thepumpconnection.com. – Support groups meet Thursdays mornings. Two groups: moms and infants 0-4 months and babies 4 months and older. $150 for 10 weeks. ModernMom.com, 323-908-0251, www.modernmom.com. – For multi-tasking moms seeking like-minded peers for support, advice, moms’ night outs and playdates. Mocha Moms Los Angeles Chapter, Sheri Petri at shairee–p@yahoo.com or Joyce Davis at jnbdavis@comcasat.net; and Mocha Moms Pasadena Chapter, www.mochamoms.org. – For women of color who have chosen to alter their career paths in order to be at home with their children. Activities include education and business seminars for mothers, playdates and family outings. Mom's & Babies Support Group, Long Beach Memorial Hospital Medical Center, 562-933-0627, www.memorialcare.org/long_beach/. – A nurse leads ongoing support group for new moms transitioning into motherhood. MOMS Clubs: Altadena, 626-844-7916; Canyon Country South, 661-551-7268; Glendale West, 818-623-7225, Santa Monica, 310-581-9520, faylyons@earthlink.net; Simi Valley West, 805-306-0876, and West Hawthorne, 310-644-9388. – Offers a variety of activities for at-home moms. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International, 800-929-1287, www.mops.org or info@mops.org. – Designed to meet the needs of women with various lifestyles, including both working and at-home moms, with children up to age 5. Offers speakers, group discussion and crafts. Conejo Valley: 805-498-6613, evfree.net. Woodland Hills: 818-346-6968, ext. 31. Mothers & More, 866-206-9068, ext. 3921; 310-289-2149; 818-497-0250; 805-498-9385, www.westvalleymothersandmore.com, www.mothersandmore.org. – Dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. MommyZone, Tarzana, 818-345-6060, www.mommyzone.com. – Classes and support groups include infant/child developmental milestones, mothers of twins and postpartum depression with a psychotherapist. Nursing Mothers Circle, Breastfeeding Resource Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Glendale, 818-507-4191. – Meets Thursdays for emotional support and networking. Parenting Place Support Group, Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, Reseda. 818-774-3300. – Holds ongoing weekly Mommy and Me classes for infants through toddlers. Single Parent Support Group, Sherry Gaba, LCSW. 818-756-3338. – Offers support and encouragement to women and men adjusting to the challenges of being single parents. Swork Coffee Mommy and Me, Eagle Rock. 323-358-5600. – Moms and kids gather for non-structured play and socialization. Babies - 2 years on Tues.; 3-6 years on Thurs. 9:30-11:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays. |
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