Welcome from PEP’s Board of Directors

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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.

The core philosophy of PEP is that there is no one right way to parent. PEP services welcome and support all parents in finding their own unique approach to parenting. In an effort to reduce the impact of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), PEP’s parent volunteers nurture growing families through this adjustment period by directing them to resources and facilitating the building of peer support networks.

Our mission is to support growing families in the Santa Barbara area with opportunities for education, encouragement, and social engagement in a way that is non‐judgmental, inclusive, and community‐based. 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 to be 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.

All the best,
PEP Board of Directors

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.

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!

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support

Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure how to make it through the day? Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) 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.

Warmline

805-564-3888 (English)
805-852-1595 (Spanish)

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