Baby Belle Doula

05/03/2025

✨Parent Support Groups in May✨

Parenting can be challenging and having a community to lean on makes all the difference. Whether you're expecting, navigating postpartum, or looking for guidance on your parenting journey, these support groups are here for YOU! 🤝

This month there are a wide variety of support groups being offered in our local area or available to you virtually. In addition to the recurring postpartum and breastfeeding groups, you'll see that there are new groups included here, such as groups for teen parents, new dads, grief and loss, and TTC. Please be sure to look through the list and see if any of these groups may be what you've been looking for or needing.

What to Expect:

- Safe, judgment-free space to share and connect
- Expert advice and insights from qualified group facilitators
- Support for all stages of parenthood (pregnancy, birth, and beyond)
- Empowering tools to help you thrive as a parent

🗓️ Dates & Times:

- 5/4 @ 12:30PM Pregnancy Support Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Stella-Birthwork/Pregnancy-Support-Meet-Up/105191469?skipPreview=true

- 5/6 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Memorial Regional)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-d2a40fc47652458c9b45184b5776c32f

- 5/6 @ 6PM Dads Under Construction (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 5/7 @ 11AM NICU Families Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Mary-Farrelly/NICU-Families-Meet-Up/102160918?skipPreview=true

- 5/7 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-ab989dbf63ad4067b443a696a22fe762

-5/7 @ 5PM Teen Parents Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/teen-parents/

- 5/8 @ 6PM Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-f35efcd592d4412cae2ce61d647bb3a2

- 5/9 @ 9:30AM Postpartum Support Group (VCU Health Hub)
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details/?eventId=0ca38832-72d1-4e31-91bc-cd0901bd2564

- 5/12 @ 6PM Dad 2 Dads (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 5/13 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-400cd662b614499ca17026297088ab99

- 5/14 @ 12:30PM Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-fd7ff4b755634efc80e4f9a046f591f4

- 5/14 @ 10:30AM New Parents Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Maria-Adley/New-Parents-Meet-Up/106462417?skipPreview=true

- 5/14 @ 5PM Teen Parents Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/teen-parents/

- 5/19 @ 7PM Trying to Conceive (TTC) Group from 7-8PM (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Sarah-Lordi/Trying-to-Conceive-(TTC)-Group/114270870?skipPreview=true

- 5/20 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Memorial Regional)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-3052bf7f1d6748b48bbf8ab6ec92df2d

- 5/20 @ 6PM Dads Under Construction (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 5/21 @ 10:30AM New Parents Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/102428148?skipPreview=true

- 5/21 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-e64a1720066b4e6597cd536ce00412ef

- 5/21 @ Noon Perinatal Loss Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/perinatal-loss-support-group/

- 5/21 @ 5PM Teen Parents Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/teen-parents/

- 5/26 @ 6PM Dad 2 Dads (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 5/27 @ 4PM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-71d7ce0331144742a12c3aea5c784664

- 5/27 @ 4PM Postpartum Support Group (Virtual VCU)
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details/?eventId=20fc1dfa-14b9-4686-a771-5b9ffe5a235f

- 5/28 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-8e60b47e1d254391bb57b3cca2f606c4

- 5/28 @ 5PM Teen Parents Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/teen-parents/

- 5/29 @ 6PM Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-ac84fbc9e0934fc0bd0b8bc1ebff50ed

- 5/31 @ 12:30PM Grief & Loss Support Group (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Sarah-Lordi/Grief-%26-Loss-Group/114270858?skipPreview=true

04/15/2025

🌟 A Special Milestone 🌟

When I first began Baby Belle Doula, I focused exclusively on postpartum and antepartum support, but always hoped to expand my offerings in time. Toward the end of 2024, I took a big step toward that dream by completing my birth doula training with DONA International.

Now, I’m overjoyed to share an especially meaningful milestone in this journey:

Last month, I had the absolute honor of attending and supporting my very first birth as a doula!

Walking alongside this incredible family as they stepped into parenthood was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From our prenatal visits to the moment they met their daughter and now continuing to support them in the postpartum period — it has been such a privilege. Witnessing their strength, vulnerability, and deep love reminded me exactly why I chose this path.

As a newly trained birth doula, I am overflowing with gratitude for the trust they placed in me, and I can’t wait to continue supporting families through one of life’s most powerful and transformative experiences.

Every birth is unique, and this one will always hold a special place in my heart as my first. 💛

https://doulamatch.net/testimonial/detail/101693

* photo shared with permission *

03/07/2025

✨Parent Support Groups in March ✨

Parenting can be challenging and having a community to lean on makes all the difference. Whether you're expecting, navigating postpartum, or looking for guidance on your parenting journey, these support groups are here for YOU! 🤝

What to Expect:
- Safe, judgment-free space to share and connect
- Expert advice and insights from qualified group facilitators
- Support for all stages of parenthood (pregnancy, birth, and beyond)
- Empowering tools to help you thrive as a parent

🗓️ Dates & Times:

- 3/10 @ 6PM Dad 2 Dads (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 3/11 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-8f218018459d4607be7fdadea7f92e9f

- 3/12 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-183cce54fd7948bd9979323c00cc0af1

- 3/12 @ 10:30AM New Parents Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Maria-Adley/New-Parents-Meet-Up/104171774?skipPreview=true

- 3/13 @ 6PM Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis)
https://postpartumva.org/events/st-francis-support-group-midlothian/

- 3/13 @ 9:30AM Postpartum Support Group (VCU Health)
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details/?eventId=2106eede-8170-4eb8-a893-e5c8db808485

- 3/18 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Memorial Regional)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-0ee2dc10156b4f109280121761b1a29f

- 3/18 @ 6PM Dads Under Construction (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 3/19 @ 10:30AM New Parents Meet Up (Whole Heart Space)
https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/100590350?skipPreview=true

- 3/19 @ 11AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-5aa9ce89f3554ff7b060be44d5636e6f

- 3/19 @ Noon Perinatal Loss Support Group (Virtual)
https://postpartumva.org/events/perinatal-loss-support-group/

- 3/24 @ 6PM Dad 2 Dads (Virtual)
https://theupcenter.org/dad2dads/

- 3/25 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-e9e1c3378b2e42e1bae183a3f5fc24ef

- 3/26 @ 10AM Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-b742eada860a4c08b5e730b0a3f0faa9

- 3/27 @ 6PM Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis)
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-4a34757381214ea1a799f2a86c7f4020

💬 Whether you're new to parenting or just need some extra support, I hope you can make it to one of these groups! Let's build a community where you can grow, learn, and feel supported. 🤍

01/23/2025

✨Parent Support Groups in February ✨

Parenting can be challenging and having a community to lean on makes all the difference. Whether you're expecting, navigating postpartum, or looking for guidance on your parenting journey, these support groups are here for YOU! 🤝

What to Expect:
- Safe, judgment-free space to share and connect
- Expert advice and insights from qualified group facilitators
- Support for all stages of parenthood (pregnancy, birth, and beyond)
- Empowering tools to help you thrive as a parent

🗓️ Dates & Times:

- Dads Group (Whole Heart Space) 2/1 @ 8:30AM
https://momence.com/WHS-Staff/Dads-Group/109289851?skipPreview=true

- Pregnancy Support Meet Up (Whole Heart Space) 2/2 @ 12:30
https://momence.com/Stella-Birthwork/Pregnancy-Support-Meet-Up/105191448?skipPreview=true

- Breastfeeding Support Group (Memorial Regional Medical Center) 2/4 @ 11AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-26cd7a586deb4d52a499ed2b3d75ea3a

- "Holding Space" Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Group (MyBirth) 2/5 @ 10AM

- NICU Families Meet Up (Whole Heart Space) 2/5 @ 11AM
https://momence.com/Mary-Farrelly/NICU-Families-Meet-Up/99764528?skipPreview=true

- Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Francis Medical Center) 2/5 @ 11AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-481e13ad270645d99f80b37af38b4a90

- Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's Hospital) 2/11 @ 10AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-da20b35248534dac98fff0ff144ef819

- Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside Medical Center) 2/12 @ 10AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-62ad1c3287e547399de521f03f87a783

- Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis Medical Center) 2/13 @ 6PM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-e99ac2d078d44a4cab6290c9bfdbeb9c

- "Getting Better Together" Postpartum Support Group for Moms (VCU Health Hub) 2/14 @ 9:30AM
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details?eventid=4a861008-c158-4017-be99-664c705ba265

- Breastfeeding Support Group (Memorial Regional Medical Center) 2/18 @ 11AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-61e7847647594412aca1718ba6cf4511

- New Parents Meet Up (Whole Heart Space) 2/19 @ 10:30AM
https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/99953887?skipPreview=true

- Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Francis Medical Center) 2/19 @ 11AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-c3287620e5aa476a80d7a9450214b739

- Breastfeeding Support Group (St. Mary's Hospital) 2/25 @ 10AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-5ab6d4a70f964cdf9fe1cc23e69f4081

- "Getting Better Together" Postpartum Support Group (VCU Virtual) 2/25 @ 4PM
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details?eventid=e93e35fa-b7f3-4490-8d6e-09854ad620a8

- Breastfeeding Support Group (Southside Medical Center) 2/26 @ 10AM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-1c54e4a5f9754e06a6d20095a0b5abac

- Postpartum Support Group (St. Francis Medical Center) 2/27 @ 6PM
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-0e0c08f509cf4d2582155da16a4d9b7b

💬 Whether you're new to parenting or just need some extra support, I hope you can make it to one of these groups! Let's build a community where you can grow, learn, and feel supported. 🤍

01/09/2025

🌷 What is (or was) your biggest postpartum challenge? 🌷

💤 Struggling with sleep?
💪 Navigating physical recovery?
💖 Finding time for self-care?
🤯 Feeling overwhelmed by it all?

The postpartum period can be a rollercoaster of emotions, physical changes, and new experiences, and it’s not always easy to navigate on your own. As a doula, I'm here to support you every step of the way! You do not have to do this alone.

For those of you not currently in the postpartum period, what were your biggest challenges in the early days? How did you cope with the changes and do you have any tips or suggestions for new parents going through it now?

Let’s open up this conversation! Share your biggest postpartum challenges below or offer some wisdom for those who are in the thick of it. You are not alone in this journey, and I'm here to offer support, guidance, and a safe space for you to feel heard.

✨ Drop your thoughts in the comments or send me a message for personalized support. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help!

01/08/2025

✨ Parent Support Groups ✨

I hope everyone's new year is off to a GREAT start!

If you're needing a little extra support (or want to work on building your "village" and making some new parent friends) here are some groups meeting in our community in the upcoming weeks.

Looking for something not listed here? Reach out to me anytime, and I am to help connect you with the resources you need.

- Laura

Details and links below:

1/10 @ 9:30AM (Postpartum): https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details?eventid=4b26459c-5812-4dd0-ab3a-47437428efde

1/14 @ 10AM (Breastfeeding): https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-1a54a7c824224e2c9442dfee7f8a18d4

1/15 @ 10:30AM (New Parents - Whole Heart Space): https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/99210313?skipPreview=true

1/15 @ 11AM (Breastfeeding): https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-d5ac86efd60c43bb9a54a80c5959b3f4

1/21 @ 11AM (Breastfeeding): https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-d304b993753747bf81a67c370f582f12

1/22 @ 10AM (Breastfeeding): https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-1b06d775ec2147d5b2ebcfdaf1dd8898

1/23 @ 6PM (Postpartum): https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-cff8ed04200d4db7a3c35bc3f34db94d

1/28 @ 10AM (Breastfeeding):
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-064b717ea9214996b8d103d9ea09d52f

1/28 @ 4PM (Postpartum - Virtual):
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details?eventid=adaa3e3d-7a70-4208-a59f-3bc6f70fa6f2

2/1 @ 8:30AM (Dads Group - Whole Heart Space):
https://momence.com/WHS-Staff/Dads-Group/109289851?skipPreview=true

12/28/2024

Love to see all these amazing prenatal and postnatal support groups continuing into 2025 with Whole Heart Space! Such a great opportunity for parents to connect and get some extra support.

11/07/2024

✨ Parent Support Groups ✨

We're already a full week into November and Thanksgiving is just three weeks away! Hard to believe it. If any parents are looking for some extra support and community this month, there are lots of great groups meeting in our area: postpartum, breastfeeding, new parents, perinatal, and a dads group. Looking for something not listed here? Reach out to me anytime, and I am to help connect you with the resources you need.

- Laura

Details and links below:

Friday 11/8 @ 9:30-10:30AM
VCU Health: Getting Better Together: Postpartum Support Group for Moms
https://www.vcuhealth.org/events/events-details?eventid=e6eda297-9f9c-414a-8332-4884e852b003

Tuesday 11/12 @ 10-11AM
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-f498e55f40e6447fae16aaaba6d44c95

Tuesday 11/12 @ 12:30-1:30PM
Henrico Doctors Hospital – Courtyard Office Building: Perinatal Support Group
https://www.hcavirginia.com/locations/henrico-doctors-hospital/calendar #/ce/event-details/a0s6O00000BJUe9QAH

Wednesday 11/13 @ 10-11:30AM
Bon Secours Southside Medical Center: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-02c1da9844904a179ab8b82ee57a7fb4

Wednesday 11/13 @ 10:30-11:30AM
Whole Heart Space: New Parents Meet Up
https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/100049156?skipPreview=true

Thursday 11/14 @ 6-8PM
Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center: Postpartum Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-7ae8dd47ed7847ae8885ac6de5a6d88b

Tuesday 11/19 @ 11AM-Noon
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-e635171e7d7a469ebca891130f9d7ac5

Tuesday 11/19 @ 12:30-1:30PM
Henrico Doctors Hospital – Courtyard Office Building: Perinatal Support Group
https://www.hcavirginia.com/locations/henrico-doctors-hospital/calendar #/ce/event-details/a0s6O00000BJUeEQAX

Wednesday 11/20 @ 10-11AM
Johnston-Willis Hospital: Postpartum Support Group
https://postpartumva.org/events/johnston-willis/

Wednesday 11/20 @ 10:30-11:30AM
Whole Heart Space: New Parents Meet Up
https://momence.com/Katie-Noland/New-Parents-Meet-Up/98297560?skipPreview=true

Wednesday 11/20 @ 11AM-Noon
Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-029c1309260a486a9bef70282fb96063

Tuesday 11/26 @ 10-11AM
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-c16d8b57f58f47a9aef2b56dde6648de

Wednesday 11/27 @ 10-11:30AM
Bon Secours Southside Medical Center: Breastfeeding Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-3c87041c28604bc08a4d8c080bce0018

Thursday 11/28 @ 6-8PM
Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center: Postpartum Support Group
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0010-0020-d495889ad88245a49ce48eced1da1695

Saturday 11/30 @ 8:30-9:15AM
Whole Heart Space: Dads Group
https://momence.com/WHS-Staff/Dads-Group/102667064?skipPreview=true

10/16/2024

✨ Parent Support Groups ✨

Hope everyone's having a great October! Here are some parent support groups meeting in our community the next few weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions about these resources or if you know of any groups that should be added to this list!

- Laura

10/15/2024

Wave of Light Gathering TONIGHT at Whole Heart Space
6:30-7:30PM Tuesday 10/15

"In support of Baby Loss Awareness Week, join us at the studio for the global Wave of Light -- a joining of families all around the world by lighting a candle to honor babies lost too soon.

All are welcome to join, regardless of when your loss occurred, if you're currently pregnant after a loss, or if you'd like to honor & support our families who have experienced loss. Families and siblings encouraged to participate as well.

Doors will be open at 6:30pm & candlelighting will occur at 7pm. Please bring your own candle (we will have a few provided). Our hope is just to be in community for this ceremony, knowing that we are not alone in our grief or in our hope for the future."

A snapshot from our Wave of Light ceremony last year 💜

Join us on Tues, 10/15 to process, honor, and heal in the support of community. All are welcome to join, regardless of when your loss occurred, if you're currently pregnant after a loss, or if you'd like to participate to honor & support our families who have experienced loss.

Stop by anytime between 6:30 and 7:30pm - candlelighting will be at 7:00.

09/28/2024

✨ Parent Support Groups ✨

It's nearly October! Here are some parent support groups meeting in our community in the first half of the upcoming month. Please let me know if you have any questions about these resources or if you know of any groups that should be added to this list!

- Laura

09/23/2024

✨ Parent Support Groups ✨

Happy Fall Y'all! I'm hoping to experiment a bit more with some new content and formats for sharing information on this page. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see more of! :)

Here are upcoming parent support groups in Chesterfield County and the surrounding areas for the end of September and early October. Please let me know if you have any questions about these resources or if you know of any groups that should be added to this list!

- Laura