Additional Local Resources

In addition to P.A.C.E.  (www.pacemoms.org) the Washington, D.C. area has a wealth of opportunities for parents of young children.  If you are specifically interested in meeting other moms with infants, most of the local hospitals have support groups, some are time limited, others are ongoing and drop-in.

Moms Clubs (www.momsclub.com), an informal gathering of parents and kids, are found in many of this area’s neighborhoods. 

There are local groups for dads (www.dcmetrodads.com), at-home moms (www.mothersfirst.org),  and D.C .area mom's list serve (www.dcurbanmom.com).

 Many of these are listed on a local website such as ( www.our-kids.com )under parenting classes or parent groups.  There are also music classes, exercise programs for parents with young children (such as post-natal yoga), infant massage classes and other scheduled activities too numerous to mention.  Many, if not most, can be found in one of the local   parenting magazines, either Washington Parent or Washington Families,(available free on-line or at places like bookstores and grocery stores). 

Also, the local Jewish Community Centers (in Rockville, www.jccgw.org, in D.C., www.washingtondcjcc.org/, and in Fairfax, www.jccnv.org), all have parenting classes as well as activities for parents and young children.

Some bookstores and libraries offer story time for infants and a parent/caregiver.  In Montgomery County, Noyes Children’s Library in Kensington is a branch of the county system that is specifically for children.

If you are a lawyer who is not returning to full-time employment, you may be interested in contacting Lawyers At Home, a committee of the Women’s Bar Assoc. of D.C. (www.wbadc.org).

Some of the local county adult education departments of the public schools offer parenting classes and workshops.  For Montgomery County  go to www.mcps.k12.md.us/adulted and look under parenting education and family support. 

Parenting classes can also be taken at PEP (Parent Encouragement Program), (www.parentencouragement.org ). At the Cedar Lane Unitarian Church in Kensington, MD (www.cedarlane.org ) there is the “Wednesday Morning Group” which many moms attend to hear speakers on a variety of topics (not just parenting issues).

If you are concerned that your child (under 3 yrs.) may not be developing within expected guidelines and you are a resident of Montgomery County, contact the Infant and Toddler Program (240-777-3997) and the necessary evaluations can be performed for free.  Also, the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Children (www.louriecenter.com) in Rockville, MD is a resource dedicated to the “assessment, treatment, and prevention of emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems in infants and young children”.

For those women who are experiencing postpartum depression, Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net )  and for support groups in DC and VA ( www.postpartum.net/virginia )

Other sites: www.postpartumstress.com , www.nih.gov

Free advice on childrearing can be obtained from volunteers at the Montgomery County“Warmline” at 301-929-WARM (9276).

If you have any questions related to breastfeeding, many of the area hospitals have lactation consultants that they can refer you to.  Another resource that many of our PACE moms have used and recommended is the Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington (www.breastfeedingcenter.org).

Please note that this list is not meant to be comprehensive as websites come and go with speed and regularity.  In addition, a listing does not imply an endorsement by P.A.C.E