Parent & Baby Groups in Bend, Oregon | Where to Meet Other Parents

The short version. Pick one recurring thing and go twice before you judge it. The easiest starts are the free Thursday feeding group at St. Charles (1 to 3 p.m.) and Baby Story Time on Wednesday mornings. For a closed group that gets to know you, look at the six-week Newly Postpartum Circle.

Groups that meet regularly

Mommy and Me breastfeeding support group

Free drop-in

Cost: Free
When: Every Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Heart and Lung Center conference room, St. Charles Bend, 2500 NE Neff Rd

A dependable weekly gathering for new parents, run through St. Charles lactation services and built around feeding. A two-hour window means you can arrive whenever the nap ends.

Call 541-706-4924 Group details

The Newly Postpartum Circle

Six-week series

Cost: Ask when you book
When: Runs as a six-week series
Where: In person in Bend, through Central Oregon Birth

A facilitated group for parents with babies up to about 5 months. Because the same people come every week, it tends to turn into real friendships. Weekly themes run from the birth itself to bodies, relationships and building community.

Group details

La Leche League of Central Oregon

Free, evening

Cost: Free
When: Second Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bend Birth Center, 61533 Parrell Rd, Bend

A parent-led feeding group that welcomes babies and older children. The evening slot makes it one of the few options for parents who have gone back to work.

Leader contacts

Library story times

Free

Cost: Free
When: Babies on Wednesdays, toddlers on Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library
Where: Central Library in Bend. Redmond on Mondays and Tuesdays

Not a support group, but the same families show up week after week, and the ten minutes afterward on the rug is an easy place to start talking. Baby Story Time is 0 to 18 months. Toddler Story Time is 18 to 36 months.

This week's story times

Walks, yoga and community events

Varies

Cost: Many are free
When: Posted by each host
Where: Around Bend and Redmond

Perinatal Providers of Central Oregon lists community events from its members, including a monthly walk for moms, support groups and family yoga, along with its own free events. Central Oregon Birth also lists community walks for pregnant and new parents.

See events

The week at a glance

Day	What	Time
Monday	Baby Story Time, Redmond Library. La Leche League on the second Monday, Bend	10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday	Toddler Story Time, Redmond Library	10:30 a.m.
Wednesday	Baby Story Time, Central Library	10:30 a.m.
Thursday	Toddler Story Time, Central Library. Mommy and Me group, St. Charles Bend	10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Weekend	Family story times at some branches. Walks and events	Varies

The parenting hub shows this week with today highlighted.

Which kind of group fits you?

You want people who get it right now: a closed series like the Newly Postpartum Circle.
Feeding is most of your day: the Thursday group or La Leche League.
You want low stakes: story time. You can sit in the back and leave whenever.
You hate sitting in circles: a walk. Talking is easier side by side with a stroller.

How to make it stick

The first visit often feels awkward because everyone seems to know each other already. They met two weeks ago. Go to the same thing twice, then once more. Say yes to the first coffee invitation, or be the one who asks.

If you live outside Bend

Redmond has its own baby and toddler story times, and the Sisters, La Pine and Sunriver libraries run family story times. A group ten minutes from home that you attend beats a perfect one in Bend that you skip.

When a group is not enough

Groups help with loneliness. They do not treat depression or anxiety. If you are struggling, start with postpartum support, which lists free nurses to call and a 24-hour hotline.

Common questions

Are these groups only for first-time parents?

No. Most welcome anyone with a baby in the right age range. Ask about bringing an older sibling, since some rooms are small.

Do I have to be breastfeeding to join a group?

Not for all of them. The Newly Postpartum Circle, story times and walks are for any parent. The Thursday group and La Leche League are built around feeding.

Are dads and partners welcome?

At story times, walks and many events, yes. Some groups are aimed at mothers or birthing parents, so ask the organizer first.

Is there anything in the evening or on weekends?

La Leche League meets on the second Monday evening of the month. Library branches also run family story times at varying times, so check the calendar for a weekend one.

What should I bring?

A diaper bag, whatever you need to feed the baby, and an extra layer. Nobody minds if you arrive late or leave early.

What if groups are not my thing?

Then skip them. A regular playground or coffee stop at the same time each week does the same job more quietly.

Where these facts come from

Last checked October 8, 2026. Classes fill, schedules shift and prices change, so confirm with the provider before you go. This is local information, not medical advice.