Rachel Hess Doula now offers a variety of parent support groups. There is something for everyone! Scroll down for descriptions and registration.
In-Person Groups
All in person groups are held at Akasha Studios in Roslindale.
4155 Washington Street, Roslindale.
Each in-person group is a 5 week, 1.25 hour series.
$185 for one parent and their newborn (multiples welcome at no extra charge)
Getting Started (For new parents and babies 0-14 weeks)
Join me in a 5 week series with other new parents and their babies. You will find support, information, and fun in these sessions. Each week parents will have a chance to share their fears, questions, and joys in a non-judgmental environment. Every week there will be a different topic of discussion as well as time to get to know each other. Topics include: Sleep, feeding, your new identity as a parent, postpartum mood adjustment, and developmental milestones.
Winter 2 2025, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:45pm
Dates and Registration up soon!
Getting Going (for parents of babies 3-6 months)
Join me for this exciting group and the next stage of parenting. This group will be a place to connect with other parents, discuss entering a new phase of babyhood, and finding ways to connect with your baby. Topics in this group will include, but are not limited to: Sleep, feeding, introducing solids, returning to work, and developmental milestones. There will be a mini “circle time” at the end of each class where you will learn new ways to play with your baby.
TBD-please contact me if you are interested.
Second Time Parent Group (For parents and second babies 0-6 months old)
Many say that adding a second baby to your family is an even bigger transition than the first time around. Come meet other second time parents for this 5 week series. We will spend time discussing the new challenges and joys of a growing family in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Possible topics include: challenges with your older child as they transition to their new role as sibling, how to manage feeding and sleeping with both children, and reviewing typical baby patterns and developmental phases.
Winter 2026, Tuesdays, 12:00-1:15pm
January 13th, 20th, 27th, February 3rd and 10th.
Virtual Groups
Each Virtual group is a 5 week, 1.25 hour series.
Groups are held on Zoom.
The groups are $165 for the series.
Dad/Non-Gestational Parent Support Group (for dads and non-gestational parents with babies 0-12 months)
This 5 week virtual class is for non-birthing parents of any kind; dads, babas, moms, and anyone else who is not a gestational carrier, regardless of gender or path to parenthood, to discuss concerns, roadblocks, triumphs and experiences related to being a non-gestational parent.
Each week parents will have a chance to share their concerns, questions, and joys in a non-judgmental environment. Every week there will be a different topic of discussion as well as time to get to know each other. Topics will include your role and shifting identity as a parent, bonding with your baby, dealing with family and social pressures as the “other” parent, and practical emotional and relationship support.
A note about this group: As a mother in a queer family, I have had the unique experience of being both the gestational and non-gestational parent. A big piece of my work as a postpartum doulas has been to support the non-gestational parent in their role and help highlight the unique joys and challenges that come with this role. This group is for both dads of any identity and queer folks. I am a skilled facilitator when it comes to inclusive groups. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about this group.
TBD-please contact me if you are interested.
Parenting Over Forty (first time 40+ parents of babies 0-12 months)
This group is for new parents who are having their first baby after the age of forty. While much about newborn care is the same, parents who start their family after 40, have a unique set of challenges. From shifts in identity, caring for elders, to managing friends and careers, we will discuss a wide range of topics, including support around baby development and behaviors. Join me for this new group, which will be a space to bond, share, and find other new parents at a similar stage of life.
TBD-Please contact me if you are interested.
Queer Parenting Group! (For any parents of babies 0-12 months old)
Join me and other queer parents for this exciting group. We will discuss some newborn/baby basics as well as what it is like to be a queer family in the world. Come build community! Join me for a 5 week series for any queer parents with babies 0-12 months old.
TBD-please contact me if you are interested.
Rachel Hess Doula Class PoliciesCancellations: A full refund (less a $10 administrative fee) will be provided for cancellations made within 7 business days before the first day of class. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 7 business days before the first day of class.
Weather and Instructor Illness: If BPS is cancelled or a snow emergency is called, please check your email for information about class cancellation due to weather. I will use my best judgment based on conditions in the area. If class is cancelled due to weather every attempt will be made to reschedule the class, but I cannot guarantee it. No refunds will be given for any cancellation relating to inclement weather. If I am sick and cannot facilitate class I will do my best to find a substitute or schedule a make-up class.
Health and Wellness: Please use your best judgment if either you or your baby is showing signs of sickness. Please do not come to class if you or your baby has had fever or vomiting within the last 24 hours. If in person groups needs to be canceled due to COVID, groups will be held on zoom. If you or anyone in your family are experiencing COVID symptoms, please test prior to group and err on the side of caution.
Questions: rachelhessdoula@gmail.com
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