connect and build relationship with people who get it
find Support Groups, Drop-in Spaces, and Special Events below
Groups for Parents
We see community as the most important missing link for modern families welcoming in babies. Coming together in a group cohort to connect, build relationship, talk about what’s really going on, and share in the tears, laughs, and groans of it all, makes such a big difference in everyone’s health. Check out our groups below!
What: 7 weeks of facilitated connection between mothers with or welcoming their 2nd or beyond child. Together the group will explore themes present in becoming mothers again, reckon with personhood and individuality during years of high need, pressure and change, and build ground for sustained and supportive friendships.
For Who: Mothers of 2 or more children in their first year postpartum, or pregnant with a second child and in your third trimester. Babies in arms welcome and encouraged!
By Who: facilitated by Jess Furst, an Integral Coach, recent mom of 2 - deeply moved by the continued transformation of what it means to be a mother and person, and interested in the beauty and power of what’s possible when we come together
When: rotating 7-week cohorts. Next group:
Monday mornings from 10a-11:30a, April 7th through May 19th with a SPECIAL Memorial Day celebration for present and alumni group members and families
Register: Click on the session dates you hope to join above. The fee for this group is $215. Babes in arms welcome! Please email us at eastbaybirthcollective@gmail.com if you hope to join a future cohort that is not yet scheduled.
What: This 6 week pregnancy group is a supportive gathering for expectant parents seeking community and connection during this profound time of change. In our time together, you’ll find a balance of facilitation and organic conversation, with prompts for journaling and moments for self-reflection. Come as you are with your thoughts, concerns, and joys about pregnancy, self-discovery, and parenthood. Leave feeling resourced, supported, and connected to a community of fellow birthing folks who can walk this path alongside you.
Together we’ll explore topics such as your journey to pregnancy, mental health needs and support systems, your ever-changing body, what self-care really looks like, and preparing for your birth, postpartum and parenting journey.
For Who: Any pregnant person. Ideal to have the group start date to fall after 22 weeks and the end date to fall before 38 weeks.
By Who: facilitated by Elyse Schroeder, Mom, Postpartum Doula, Birthworker Coach, and Childbirth Educator
When: rotating 6-week cohorts, next series:
Fridays, April 11th - May 16th from 3:00-4:45 (Pilot Session! We are so excited to bring these Groups on regular rotation to EBBC. We are extending a 50% reduced fee to participants willing to provide constructive feedback and reflection on this offering. Please reach out if this is you!)
Fridays, June 20th - Aug 1st from 3:00-4:45 (no group July 4th)
Fridays, Sep 5th - Oct 10th from 3:00-4:45
Fridays, Nov 7th - Dec 19th from 3:00-4:45 (no group Nov 28th)
Register: To sign up, click on the session dates you hope to join above. The fee for this group is $300. Babes in arms welcome! Please email us at eastbaybirthcollective@gmail.com if you hope to join a future cohort that is not yet scheduled.
What: This 8 week postpartum support group is for birthing parents and moms seeking a supportive space to engage in honest, open conversations about the complexities of transitioning into parenthood and motherhood. Adapted from Robyn Alagona-Cutler’s postpartum therapeutic support group, these explorations will be in open conversation, sometimes with guest visitors who hold pertinent expertise, as well as dedicated time for reflection and writing. Pre-crawling babies are welcome, and light snacks will be provided.
Together we’ll explore topics such as your birth experience(s), common misconceptions, postpartum mood disorders, the influence of how you were parented, the shift from partners to parents, self care, identity, body image, and so much more.
For Who: Any birthing parent in their first year. Babies in arms welcome.
By Who: facilitated by Elyse Schroeder, Mom, Postpartum Doula, Birthworker Coach and Childbirth Educator
When: rotating 8-week cohorts, next series:
Thursdays, April 10th - May 29th from 10:00-12:00 (Pilot Session! We are so excited to bring these Groups on regular rotation to EBBC. We are extending a 50% reduced fee to participants willing to provide constructive feedback and reflection on this offering. Please reach out if this is you!)
Thursdays, Jul 10th - Aug 28th from 10:00-12:00
Thursdays, Oct 2nd - Nov 20th from 10:00-12:00
Register: To sign up, click on the session dates you hope to join above. The fee for this group is $440. Babes in arms welcome! Please email us at eastbaybirthcollective@gmail.com if you hope to join a future cohort that is not yet scheduled.
What: Being pregnant again after a miscarriage, perinatal loss or termination for medical reasons can present a host of unique and painful challenges. Many who are pregnant after a loss find that they are holding two realities at once – the hope and dreams that come with a new pregnancy, and the grief and anxiety that occur following a loss. It is important to know you are not alone; there are others on this path with you and many who have walked this path before. Join us for a four-week expressive arts support group in which we will explore the joys and difficulties of being pregnant again through:
Peer-support
Mindfulness
Gentle movement
Journaling, painting, drawing and more
For Who: This group is for folks who are pregnant again after experiencing the loss of a pregnancy. A loss can be at any gestational age and for any reason. You are welcome to attend the group if it feels appropriate for you.
By Who: Meredith Isaksen is a therapist, mama to three, poet, and former writing and literature professor. She knows firsthand the complexity of pregnancy after loss, and is committed to helping pregnant people foster resilience, community, and hope in the midst of grief and uncertainty.
When: four Sunday evenings, from 7-8:30pm. The next series are:
> May 4th through the 25th
> July 13th through August 3rd
> September 28th through October 19th
Register: Click the register button to be in touch with Meredith for a pre-enrollment conversation. She will then direct you to the registration link. The fee for this group is $180.
What: EBBC Dad’s Group welcomes fathers with children 0-3 yrs. In this social/support group, dads come together to build community and comradery around the shared experience of fatherhood. The 5-week series will foster community and support around the joys and challenges of being a new/new-ish Dad.
For Who: Fathers with children 0-3 yrs.
By Who: Jesse Cutler has lived in the Bay Area for 20 years. He has two children; 11 and 7 years old. He has been on a path of personal growth for 3 decades. Jesse loves being a dad and also understands how intense and trying parenthood can feel. When Jesse isn’t parenting or running his PR company, you can find him hiking and running on East Bay trails.
When: rotating 5-week cohorts (with added week on the end for a Family Potluck, date TBA).
Next group:
Sundays from 11a-1p, August 17th through September 21st (no group on 8/31). *Please note, if you are looking for a Dads Gathering sooner than August, please check out our Monthly Dads Hikes listed under Events.
Register: Click on the session dates you hope to join above. The fee for this group is $150. Babes in arms welcome! Please email us at eastbaybirthcollective@gmail.com if you hope to join a future cohort that is not yet scheduled.
Circles for Parents
We want everyone to have a place to connect with community and support. Sometimes signing up for a multi-week offering is overwhelming or not the right fit for the moment. These spaces are donation-based and offer flexible options to get your needs for connection and support filled.
What: Our weekly drop-in postpartum group is here to support you in connecting with other new parents and babies. This is a donation-based offering and welcomes all parents and babies in their first eight months.
There is no ‘late’! Come when you can, leave when you need to. Enjoy lightly structured time to connect and be together. Crying, feeding babies, diaper changes: all encouraged and expected!
For Who: Any parent and pre-crawling baby
By Who: holding and light facilitation by EBBC Founders, Morgan West and Evaly Long
When: every Wednesday, 10-12
Register: No need to sign up ahead of time! Come when you can. Reach out to morgan@hummingbirdmidwifery.com with questions. Suggested donation of $5-20, collected via Venmo at group. Donation not necessary for presence and participation in our group.
What: Our weekly drop-in Weight Check Clinic is here to connect you to other parents feeding babies and offer a space to get basic troubleshooting around your feeding challenges, including checking on your baby’s weight gain and milk transfer with the guidance of a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
There’s no ‘late’! Come when you can, leave when you need to. Enjoy lightly structured time to connect and be together. Crying, feeding babies, diaper changes: all encouraged and expected!
For Who: Breastfeeding/chestfeeding parent and their baby up to 1 year
By Who: lead by EBBC Founder and IBCLC, Laura Howells
When: every Friday, 1-3 (in April, timing will change to 12:30-2:30)
Register: No need to sign up ahead of time! Come when you can. Reach out to laura@wovenlactation.com with questions. Suggested donation of $5-20, collecting via Venmo at group. Donation not necessary for presence and participation in our group.
What: A space for pregnant people at any point during gestation to build community and receive support from the birthworkers at EBBC - connection, support, light snacks and a birth related project!
For Who: any pregnant person!
By Who: the Birthworker team at EBBC
When: first Tuesday evenings of the month from 5:30-8p
April 1st
Register: please RSVP, we look forward to having you! If a circle is full, please reach out for the waitlist as there are often some spots that open!
What: A space for families who have lost pregnancies to be supported in a community of people who understand. Facilitated connection and discussion with emergent topics based on the needs of the group.
For Who: Parents who've lost a baby during pregnancy. Please reach out to Danielle to know if it would be appropriate for other family members to attend or if you've experienced an infant loss in the first year.
By Who: Danielle Schell, MPH and doula, who has has supported many families through loss at all stages of pregnancy
When: monthly on a Monday evening, 7-8:30p
April 14th, May 12th, June 9th
Register: no registration fee, but please email EBBC or Danielle with to RSVP or with any questions dlschell2021@gmail.com
Special Events
What: An opportunity for families looking for Birthworker and Doula support to meet, connect, and ask questions of local providers available for birth and postpartum support.
For Who: Any pregnant families. It is highly recommended to attend before your third trimester to increase likelihood of finding available support. Primary partner or support person encouraged to join.
By Who: facilitated by Elyse Schroeder, Birthworker, Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator. A group of 5-6 local doulas will be available to meet.
When: this is a monthly offering on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:30p. Upcoming Dates:
March 26th, April 30th, May 28th, June 25th
Register: No cost, though RSVP is necessary to attend as space is limited.
*If you are a local Birthworker with client openings who would like to join the panel, please email us at eastbaybirthcollective@gmail.com with your availability and preferred dates of the scheduled sessions above*
What: Indulge in the perfect blend of care and relaxation. Allay and Embodied Pelvic Health are teaming up with East Bay Birth Collective to bring you the ultimate Mama & Baby Spa Day experience! This one-hour experience is thoughtfully designed to nurture both you and your baby, offering expert assessments and soothing therapies for just $75.
What’s Included:
• Diastasis Recti & Pelvic Floor Assessment (20 minutes)
• Mini Massage (20 minutes)
• Baby Craniosacral Therapy (20 minutes)
For Who: Any birthing parent and precrawling baby.
By Who: facilitated by Michelle Kwock, IBCLC/lactation consultant, Stephanie Kwock, CMT/massage therapist, and Samantha Zgraggen, OT/occupational therapist.
When: Mama & Baby Spa Day is offered once a month.
Tuesday, March 25th from 11AM - 1PM
Tuesday, April 22th from 1PM-3PM
Register: To sign up, please email info@carebyallay.com with the subject "EBBC Mama & Baby Spa Day" to secure your spot. The fee for this workshop is $75 for 1 hour, 20-minutes with each provider. Please bring your baby! Please email us at info@carebyallay.com if you hope to join a future cohort that is not yet scheduled.
What: A space to bring high-interest conversations that can be difficult to have and/or don’t have enough space for reflection in common parenting and perinatal culture.
For Who: Parents, providers, and anyone who wants to learn and discuss these topics in judgement-free space.
By Who: the Speaker Series is held by Robyn Alagona Culture, LMFT, and will feature professionals in our community
SPEAKER SERIES #1: Sex & Intimacy in the Perinatal Time w/ Natashia Fuksman
Thursday, April 24th from 6-8p
SPEAKER SERIES #2: Breaking Free from Bounce-Back Culture w/ Rachel Cole
Thursday, May 18th from 6-8p
Register: $30/person
What: We’re hosting a season of Monthly Dads Hikes for a chance to meet other local dads and build community out in nature.
For Who: Dads of 0-3 year olds, expecting Dads welcome! For our hike, babies in carriers are most welcome. The trail is not stroller friendly.
By Who: Jesse Cutler has lived in the Bay Area for 20 years. He has two children; 11 and 7 years old. He has been on a path of personal growth for 3 decades. Jesse loves being a dad and also understands how intense and trying parenthood can feel. When Jesse isn’t parenting or running his PR company, you can find him hiking and running on East Bay trails.
When:
Sundays, 10:00a-12:00p — May 18th, June 22nd, July 20th
Come to one or come to all!
Register: Click the register button to RSVP for one of the monthly hikes. We’ll share information about the meet up spot nearer to our hike date. There is no fee associated with Monthly Dads Hikes.
What: Rachael Shepard-Ohta of Hey, Sleepy Baby and Robyn Alagona Cutler, LMFT, of The Postpartum Therapist will gather once again for a local mama's meetup. They will talk about two of the most pressing and important topics; baby sleep and maternal mental health.
There will be lots of time for Q & A and meeting other local moms of babies and toddlers.
For Who: Moms with babies and toddlers (0-3 years).
When: Spring session will be listed soon!
Register: $30/per person - babes in arms welcome
What: An opportunity to pass along your lightly used pregnancy and baby clothes or gear, or gather necessary items for your pregnancy and babe!
For Who: All perinatal people!
When: We just wrapped up our December Swap. It was a huge success!! We’ll be hosting another in late Spring/early Summer of 2025.
How it works: we’re asking a suggested admission price of $15 which will get you an EBBC tote bag to fill up with your swap items. No one is turned away for lack of funds, and any contribution is greatly appreciated! Follow the ‘Learn More’ link to see what items we can and cannot accept as part of the swap.
Looking to build community as a Perinatal Provider?
Visit our ‘For Professionals’ page.