Fathers’ Rap – Parent Support Group

https://www.stlmag.com/family/parent-support-groups-to-know-in-st-louis
Parent support groups to know in St. Louis
Parenthood is hard, but with a community like St. Louis, families don’t have to face it alone.
by Jen Roberts January 16, 2025 8:39 AM
Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Thanks to a range of support groups, St. Louis’ parents don’t have to feel so isolated when dealing with the more difficult moments.
New parents
Missouri Baptist offers a range of classes for new moms, including Moms’ MoBap Morning. This mom and baby support group helps develop skills and confidence, focusing specifically on sleeping, feeding, adjusting to life with a baby, and more. The class meets every Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register at mobapbaby.org/classes-support.
Fathers’ Rap is a peer-to-peer support group offered by Fathers and Families Support Center. The group discusses responsible fatherhood, relationship-building, communication tools, and parenting skills. Meetings take place on Tuesday and Thursday from 5–7 p.m. at 1601 Olive. You can find more information at fatherssuportcenter.org.
Breastfeeding
La Leche League of Greater St. Louis is a popular resource for breastfeeding moms. The organization offers phone help, online resources, and frequent meetings throughout the St. Louis region, and there are even some meetings that take place over Zoom. To find a meeting near you, visit lllstl.org/google-calendar.
Breastfeeding Support Group for Nursing Mothers is a weekly support group offered by Missouri Baptist. The sessions are led by lactation consultants and address questions and concerns, as well as providing support for the new mothers. The meetings take place every Thursday from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Visit mobapbaby.org/Classes-Support/Support-Groups/Breastfeeding-Support-Group for more information.
Single parents
Almost Home is a program that helps young moms gain the skills needed to have a better future. The program is designed for 16- to 21-year-old women and provides up to eight years of support, including coaching and therapy, if needed. Visit almosthomestl.org for more information.
Parents of kids with special needs
Parent Café takes place bi-monthly at the St. Louis Arch Family Center. The meetings are parent-led and are focused around a guided discussion on relevant topics. The group provides an opportunity for parents to share and learn from others’ experiences. On-site child care is available. Contact Anjeanette Johnson at ajohnson@slarc.org for more information.
Dads Group offers support for dads who have a family member with a disability. The location and schedule of the meetings varies, but you can contact Mark Keeley at mkeeley@slarc.org for more information.
READ MORE: Crisis and support resources for families in St. Louis
Do you have a support group in the St. Louis area that other parents should know? Email eadams@stlmag.com for consideration to be added to our list.