"The group facilitator was a licensed professional and kept things on track and judgment-free. This group is legit - the mom group that all should aspire to be!"
KATIE, PACE ALUM 2021
Becoming a mom is one of life’s major transitions. At PACE, moms build confidence and community.
Each year, PACE offers more than 75 educational, emotional support groups across DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, and PG County for both 1st time and 2nd time moms.
Our group leaders are mental health professionals who are also moms.
come together to LEARN, SHARE, and CONNECT.
Our Team
All PACE leaders possess advanced mental health degrees, with expertise in infant development, parenting skills, family relationships, group dynamics, and postpartum issues. We are also moms who truly understand what you are going through. There are so many “experts” telling moms what to do but we help you cut through the noise, identify common denominators, and find what works best for you.
Our Mission
PACE provides meaningful group-based educational and emotional support to new moms in the DC region, facilitated by trained mental health professionals.
Our Vision
New moms in our region have access to a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment to learn and adjust, to help them feel confident, and to empower them in their choices.
Our Values
Community. Connecting moms in a safe space, leading to lasting relationships through shared experience
Autonomy. Empowering moms to make informed choices about their well being and parenting journey
Respect. Validating the challenges and emotions moms face while recognizing and valuing each mom's unique experience and background
Education. Sharing information on the transition to parenthood and early childhood in an unbiased way, believing there is no one “right” way
Support. Ensuring moms have equitable access to support in a non-judgmental, caring space
Our History
In 1973, two mental health professionals started PACE after they became moms for the first time. Without any family in the DC area, they sought out resources for practical and emotional support. When they couldn't find what they needed, they created PACE to connect new mothers to each other and provide support and education.
What started in one person’s living room has been going strong ever since – over 75 groups serving over 900 moms a year in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
Join A Group Today
"I found myself with a group of women where I was free to laugh or cry when I needed to, and felt lifted up by them the entire time."
VICTORIA, PACE ALUM 2006
"I felt very alone in my new-motherhood, and I really sought out a community of other new moms who could understand what I was going through because they were going through it too."
CATHERINE, PACE ALUM 2019 & 2021
Please use the forms for 1st Time Moms or 2nd Time Moms to see about joining a group.
For questions or comments, please contact us.
PACE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization providing educational & emotional support groups for first and second time moms in DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, and PG County. PACE does not offer medical, psychological, social work or psychiatric professional services.
PACE is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all, regardless of gender, age, gender identity, race, health status, national origin, relationship status, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion. We embrace diversity and strive to participate in dialogue and education to engage in growth and understanding of those in our communities. Racism, bigotry, or hate will not be tolerated or ignored. PACE aims to ensure a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment as we support every family to help them feel confident and empowered with their choices.