Tiny Humans,

Tired Parents

A Free Support Group for Parents with Babies Under 12 Months

Early parenthood can be tender, disorienting and deeply exhausting,  often at all at once.

Tiny Humans, Tired Parents is a free, facilitated support group for new parents with babies under 12 months who are looking for connection rather than perfection. This is a space to slow down, exhale, and be with other parents who understand what this season can feel like. 

You might be sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, unsure of yourself, or simply craving real conversation with other parents who get it. You don’t need to have the right words, or have it all together to be here.

Our Services

Each gathering begins with a brief grounding or mindfulness practice to help everyone arrive and settle, both mothers and babies.

From there, conversation unfolds organically, guided by the lived experiences of the group. This is a baby-friendly space. Feeding, crying, movement, and stepping out as needed are all expected and fully supported.

Topics often include:

Identity shifts in early parenthood

Navigating boundaries with family members (including kissing babies and unsolicited input)

In-law dynamics and extended family expectations

Changes in partner relationships, including communication, intimacy and sex

Sleep (or lack of it), feeding decisions and the emotional weight they carry

Body image and the relationship with your body after work

Wondering who this group is for?

You’re welcome if your baby is a week old and you’re ready to leave the house for the first time. You’re just as welcome if your baby is three months, or six months, or nine-months and you’re finally settling into a rhythm. 

You might be sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, unsure of yourself, or simply craving real conversation with other parents who get it. You don’t need to have the right words, or have it all together to be here.

You might be:

A father whose partner has returned to work, and you’re beginning your time as the primary caregiver
A non-birthing parent in a same sex couple navigating the shift into daily care and responsibility
Parenting twins or multiples
Caring for a baby while also supporting older children at home

There is no “right” state, experience, leave, or family setup to belong here. The group is designed to meet parents where they are - with room for different timelines, identifies and realities of early parenthood. 

This group is facilitated by a licensed therapist with advanced training in perinatal mental health.

While this is not group therapy, it is a guided, supportive space that blends peer connection, grounding practices, and gentle structure. The focus is on shared experience, compassion, and community, not fixing or advising.

This initiative is offered free to the community and is sponsored by Mother Care Support.

Location

The group meets in person at the United Christ Church (825 Middlefield Road, Petaluma, CA 94952)

While the event is hosted at the UCC, it is not a religiously affiliated event.

How to Get Started

  • Reserve Your Spot

    You can reserve a spot by using the sign-up link on this page. Space is intentionally limited to support connection and ease within the group.

  • Confirmation & Details

    After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation with the group schedule, location information, and any details you may need before attending.

  • Join the Group

    When the group begins, you can simply arrive and join us. This space is designed to be relaxed, supportive, and welcoming for both parents and babies.

FAQs for Parent Group Support

  • A new parent support group is a facilitated, in-person space where parents with young babies can connect, share experiences, and feel supported. This group focuses on community, emotional processing, and grounding.

  • No. You don’t need to be in crisis to attend. Many parents join because they want connection, perspective, and support during early parenthood.

  • No. This group is not therapy and does not require individual therapy. It’s designed for parents who want support and connection without clinical commitment.

  • The group meets in person at the United Christ Church (UCC), located at 825 Middlefield Road, Petaluma, CA 94952. This group is not religiously affiliated.

  • Yes. This group is offered free to the community and sponsored by Mother Care Support.

  • The group is for parents with babies under 12 months, including mothers, fathers, non-birthing parents, and all family structures and identities.

  • Many parents share this concern. The group is designed to be welcoming, non-judgmental, and centered on shared experience rather than comparison.

  • You can reserve your spot by following the sign-up link on this page. Space is limited to keep the group connected and supportive.

  • That’s okay. Babies and life are unpredictable. If you miss a session, a check-in follows out of care.

  • The group meets weekly on Thursday mornings. It is an ongoing group and once enrolled, you are welcome to attend for as many groups as you are available. We understand that you may return to work, your schedule might change or your baby turns 1!

  • Yes. Babies are welcome. 

  • That’s expected. This is a baby-friendly space designed to accommodate real life with an infant.

  • That’s understood. Early parenthood is unpredictable, and flexibility is built into the group environment.

  • Therapy includes both reflection and practical tools. For someone who’s sleep-deprived or in an intense season, therapy may be gentler and less structured. For others who want more between-session work, I can offer practices or challenges. We also practice tools in session so they feel usable in real life.

  • No. This is a support group, not group therapy. While it’s facilitated by a licensed therapist, the focus is on peer connection, shared experience, and grounding.

  • Support groups center shared experience and connection. Therapy focuses on individual treatment goals. This group offers emotional support without being clinical.