Breast Feeding Support
Breast Feeding Clinic (562) 427-3782
Conducted by a lactation consultant, the clinic at Columbia Pediatrics is designed for any mother (first-time or experienced) with concerns or questions related to breast feeding. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m., $20; preregistration required. 2840 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 425, Long Beach.

La Leche League (800) LA LECHE
Free support and information for women who are or want to learn more about breastfeeding offered through monthly meetings, playgroups and evening sessions for working mothers. Mothers are encouraged to bring their children. Free breastfeeding help is also available over the phone. Bilingual. www.llli.org

Child Support Services
The following organizations offer assistance, information and referrals relating to child support and custody: Orange County Child Support Services, (866) 901-3212, www.css.ocgov.com; and Single Parents United ‘N’ Kids (SPUNK), (562) 432-8802, www.spunklb.org.

Doulas of North America
(888) 788-DONA (3662)
www.dona.org
Referrals to certified doulas, individuals providing support for women and their families during pregnancy, labor/delivery and post-partum. English and Spanish. Free brochure.

Helping Kids Cope with Divorce
500 South Main Street, Suite 1100, Orange
(714) 543-4333
www.brightfutures4kids.org
Helping Kids Cope is a one-time, co-parenting workshop designed to teach parents how to minimize the negative and potentially long-term effects of separation or divorce on their children, and how to develop the skills needed to form a workable, co-parenting relationship. $65, includes workbook. Support group referrals are also available.

Mom and Baby Support Group
(562) 933-8117
www.memorialcare.org
Ongoing, nurse-led support group gives new mothers the opportunity to share practical information, as well as their emotions, with one another; moms are encouraged to bring their baby. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Women’s Conference Room at Miller Children’s Hospital/Long Beach Memorial, 2nd floor. Free.

Mom and Dad (Parents) Groups
Parents and kids meet for park play dates or field trips. Multiple play groups available to suit your schedule. Holiday parties for the whole family and “moms or dads only” social activities are typically included.

Garden Grove Mothers Club, (714) 703-3313, www.ggmothersclub.tripod.com

Orange Coast
Mothers of Multiples, (877) 540-2200, www.nomotc.org, www.ocmom.org, www.llbmotc.org

Meetup Playgroups – A Web resource offering links to local specialized play and parent groups, such as “The Orange County Signing with Children Meetup Group,” “Moms of Orange,” “OC Mamas,” “2010 New Babies,” “CBT Kinderlach” and “Gen X Moms of North OC.” playgroup.meetup.com

MOMS (562) 597-2411
Making Our Mothering Significant meets Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Child care is provided. Moms’ Connection is also available on Friday evenings. Bethany Church, Long Beach. www.bethanylb.org and www.longbeachmomsgroup.com

MOMS Club
Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) is an international support group with more than 70 Southern California chapters. Activities include play groups, Mom’s Night Out, cooking clubs, community service and field trips. Annual dues apply (financial aid available). www.momsclub.org

MOPS (800) 910-MOPS
Mothers of Preschoolers. www.mops.org

Mothers and More (630) 941-3553
Also provides advocacy for fair parenting policies and practices in the workplace. www.mothersandmore.org

North Orange County Mommies, www.northocmommies.com

Orange County Dads Group (949) 559-6844
Exclusively for dads, featuring weekly play groups, plus occasional Dad’s Night Out and poker nights. Play groups gather on various mornings in the Tustin, Irvine and Mission Viejo areas. No dues. E-mail: matt@iwbyte.com. www.ocdads.org

MOMS Club International www.momsclub.org

MOMS Club of Anaheim (714) 828-6402
www.momsclubofanaheim@tripod.com

Parents Without Partners
www.parentswithoutpartners.org
Provides single parents and their children with an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques.

Seriously Ill and Bereavement Support Groups
Support for children and families who have lost or are losing a loved one, especially a parent; assists in the grieving process from a child’s point of view:

Art and Creativity for Healing (949) 367-1902
www.art4healing.org

Kids Connected (800) 899-2866
www.kidskonnected.org

Mariposa Women and Family Center (714) 547-6494
Provides group meetings such as Children’s Grief Group (9-12), Teen Grief Group (13-18), Loss of a Parent. $10 per session. www.mariposacenter.org

New Hope (888) 490- HOPE, (562) 429-0075
Includes Kids Club (5-12) and Teen Grief In Focus (13+) and Kids Camp (5-12). 3443 San Anseline, Long Beach. www.newhopegrief.org

Pathways Volunteer Hospice (562) 531-3031
www.pathwayshospice.org

SHARE! Self-Help and Recovery Exchange
(310) 305-8878
www.shareselfhelp.org
Provides free referrals to more than 700 self-help support groups serving all needs, including anxiety, depression, dependency and wellness. Weekdays, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Pre-recorded referrals to more than 60 support groups available after hours. Bilingual.

The Center
2017 E. 4th St., Long Beach
(562) 434-4455
www.centerlb.org
The Center offers support programs for gay fathers and lesbian mothers as well as a center and support group for LGBT teens (13-18).