Expecting a baby can be one of the most exciting times of a parent’s life. It can also be riddled with anticipation and uncertainties. While there are many classes to help families prepare for labor, delivery and infant care, there are fewer opportunities for them to prepare for the day-to-day realities of early parenthood.

PEPS offers a peer-support group designed specifically for expectant parents! Your Connecting the Expecting group will focus on how adding a baby to your family will affect your relationships, family life, and regular obligations such as work or school. This is also a chance to connect and create community with other families expecting a baby.

This program is designed for families in their late second or third trimester (or planning to adopt a baby within the next few months). We recommend families register for a group that best aligns with their baby's due date.

Local expectant and adoptive parents can attend this 7-week online program, solo or with a partner. Each session will be led by a Group Leader trained in inclusive facilitation and will include time to share highs and lows and weekly topics for discussion. Meetings will also include time for informal socializing and connecting with other parents. 

The PEPS curriculum has been adapted and modified for this program. Discussion topics may include: 

• Week 1: Preparing for Baby's Arrival
• Week 2: Work, Child Care, and Family Life
• Week 3: Self-Care and Perinatal Mood Disorders
• Week 4: Relationships: Family, Friends and Partners
• Week 5: Parenting Identities and Family Culture
• Week 6: The Fourth Trimester
• Week 7: Postpartum Reunion Meeting

Our organization strives to continuously learn, adapt, and enhance the curriculum. Be sure to participate in the pre- and post-program surveys!

Groups fill quickly — register today to secure your spot!

Interested in registering for a PEPS Group once your baby arrives? Learn more about our Newborn, Baby Peppers, and Affinity Groups.

Cost: 

We believe in keeping our programs accessible, which is why we offer Flexible Pricing program fee options for all PEPS Groups. Financial assistance is also available. Please contact PEPS staff at registration@peps.org for details.

Flexible Pricing program fee options* for Connecting the Expecting PEPS Groups are as follows:

 * Cost includes a non-refundable registration fee of $20 or 10% of the program fee, whichever is less. In the case of changes or cancellations, please visit our FAQs page for the PEPS Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Questions?

Check out our FAQs, call PEPS at (206) 547-8570, or email us at registration@peps.org.

PEPS collaborates with Families of Color Seattle  (FOCS), a local organization that offers free virtual and in-person parent groups tailored to different locations and stages, including North and South end newborns and waddlers. Additionally, Affinity Groups are available, bringing together individuals with common race, ethnic identity, or interests, such as Black Moms, Parents of Neurodivergent Children, Dads, Single Parents, and Queer and Trans Families. Groups offer a nurturing environment to enhance parenting skills and facilitate discussions on identity and race. FOCS groups are facilitated by trained parents with lived experiences relevant to the group. We encourage families with children of color to join a FOCS parent group. For more information or to register online, visit their Parent Groups information page.

Looking for a group for parents of twins or multiples? We have partnered with local organizations offering groups specific to their communities. Learn more about our collaborations and community partnerships.