Welcome from PEP’s Co-Chairs

Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) was founded in Santa Barbara, California, in 1977 by four local mothers. As they leaned on one another for support during the transition to life with a new family, they knew they had something special, and that the larger community of Santa Barbara could benefit from this kind of peer support. And so, backed by a grant of $500 from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), PEP was born.

PEP’s philosophy is that there is no one right way to parent – – and sometimes the best advice can come from sources other than medical professionals or expert books. New parents can be swamped with information, sometimes conflicting information, and it can be overwhelming to navigate. PEP provides a safe environment to learn from and a place where new parents can lean on their peers – free from judgement, free from soliciting, and free from pressure.

Our mission is to ease the adjustment of the growing family. Whether this is your first baby or your third, there is always a period of transition when a new family member is born. By meeting other people going through the same stage of parenting at the same time, an undeniable bond is formed. We have PEP Groups that continue to meet on a weekly basis for years and years, even through second generations! We’re thrilled when we see friendships form that last a lifetime.

Our dedicated group of trained volunteers are passionate about serving Santa Barbara’s community of new families. We are proud to offer the majority of PEP’s services free of charge, and are recommended by many local professional organizations. If you would like to find out more about the many wonderful services that PEP offers, please explore our website or feel free to call our Warmline with questions.

In good health,

Baby Basics Classes

Baby Basics Classes are held monthly and teach expecting parents the highlights of how to care for a new baby, including diapering, feeding, sleeping, and safety. A live bath demo and Q&A sessions make this class a fun way to learn about what to expect after your baby is born.
Click here to Register for an upcoming class

New Parent Groups

PEP Groups meet weekly and are a great place to get to know other new parents with babies the same age. Facilitated by PEP volunteers, it is a safe place to share your highs and lows of parenting a newborn. Get peer support and make friends that will last a lifetime!
Click here for more information

Postpartum Distress Support

Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure how to make it through the day? Postpartum
Distress (PPD) can be scary and frustrating to go through alone. We offer free and confidential 24-hour support. The first step to feeling better is asking for help.
Click here to read our online resources

24-Hour Warmline (805) 564-3888

Our free 24-hour service provides confidential one-on-one support from trained volunteers who are parents just like you.

Want to know more about PEP Groups? Adjusting to life after bringing your baby home?
The Warmline can be a great source of information and support.