Queer Baby Cville is just an idea born out of a research project. Parents that identify as members of the LGBTQ+ communities have long been overlooked in both local resource lists and in academic research. This site is a first step at improving that lack in Cville. Whether you're seeking mental health resources, chestfeeding support, fertility assistance, or a welcoming faith community, we've curated a list of resources tailored to meet your needs.
Have questions or suggestions? Contact us through our feedback form.
Find virtual and in-person support groups, care coordination services, and peer mentorship opportunities from organizations like Postpartum Support International and Postpartum Support Virginia.
Rainbow Families has supported LGBTQ+ parents and families with education, resources, and services since 1970. They engage over 10,000 individuals monthly through various programs like Maybe Baby for prospective LGBTQ+ parents. Recognized as one of the best nonprofits multiple times, they prioritize grassroots efforts and community service over extravagant events. Led by a dedicated volunteer board and staff, Rainbow Families focuses on integrity, stewardship, and building coalitions within the LGBTQ+ community.
Postpartum Support International & Postpartum Support Virginia Postpartum Support International (PSI) and Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVa) provide advocacy and support services for perinatal families. They offer virtual support groups, including identity-specific ones like for neurodivergent parents and Queer & Trans Parent Support. Both organizations offer care coordination and a warmline for non-emergency concerns, as well as peer mentorship. PSVa also offers in-person support groups and microgrants for mental health support. Services are free with no income requirements and available in multiple languages.
The Women’s Initiative (TWI) focuses on improving women's mental health and welcomes all parents. Their LGBTQ+ program includes nonbinary and trans men, but it may not cater to all LGBTQ+ parents' needs. TWI offers various support services, including counseling, support groups, and creative arts groups, with a diverse staff. Services are free or low-cost and are accessible, with virtual options available. Though not specifically for parents, TWI's LGBTQ+ groups could still be beneficial.
Region 10 & Common Grounds Region 10 is a local community services board and in conjunction with Common Grounds Healing Arts (CGHA), they host a variety of groups for LGBTQ+ folks. The Blue Ridge Center location has plenty of parking and is next to a bus stop. The weekly LGBTQ+ support group (not perinatal-focused) meets in this building and is open to visitors. This location also hosts yoga classes and other offerings from CGHA.
La Leche League of Charlottesville La Leche League (LLL) present-day promotes inclusivity of LGBTQ+ parents. Though local chapters may vary, our Cville chapter is affirming. Founded originally with anti-feminist roots, LLL now supports chestfeeding for all parents. Meetings, both virtual and in-person, are welcoming and free, held at Westminster Presbyterian Church near the University of Virginia. LLL offers a warmline for quick chestfeeding support.
Share The Drop is an app that seamlessly connects parents who would like to utilize human milk but are not able to produce or practice chestfeeding themselves. It is founded by a social justice advocate who has experience in food insecurity advocacy, a long career as a doula and perinatal yoga instructor, and an avid supporter of inclusivity and affirmation for all persons.
University of Virginia Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic at UVA, led by Dr. Ann Kellams, offers affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals, including trans women and men. Dr. Catherine Casey, also at UVA, provides comprehensive LGBTQ+ care. Although located in a large complex, UVA offers wheelchair-accessible services and accepts all insurance. Virtual appointments are available for chestfeeding support. It's important to note UVA's ties to Thomas Jefferson and its history with slavery.
Milk & Cradle is a local lactation consultant and doula that offers affordable lactation services. She has experience working with and is affirming of LGBTQ+ parents. She is also a Birth Sister with the Birth Sisters of Charlottesville.
Flow Lactation is a boutique lactation consultant that accepts insurance and private pay. She has taken additional training to support LGBTQ+ folks with chestfeeding concerns.
Sentara Hospital offers lactation consultations covered by Medicaid and insurance, but their level of LGBTQ+ affirming care is uncertain. While staff receive training, some may not be familiar with gender-inclusive language. The hospital's historical ties and potential for microaggressions may pose challenges for some individuals seeking care.
Virginia Fertility & IVF offers various reproductive technology options and supports LGBTQ family building, including Reciprocal IVF. They accept insurance and offer payment plans. While the space is reportedly welcoming, caution is advised due to historical Assisted Reproductive Technologies harm to disabled individuals. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and collaborates with a local coaching group, Mother Tree Wellness for support group needs.
Common Grounds Healing Arts - Nearby Baby offers a variety of holistic services including acupuncture, yoga, and support groups across multiple locations. Pricing varies, and some services are free or reduced-cost. Different supports are located across town. Nearby Baby, now part of CGHA, provides postpartum doula care. While most doulas are likely affirming, parents should communicate their needs openly when seeking support.
Bright Birthing is a local doula group with average pricing. They do not take insurance, nor Medicaid, but do offer reasonable pricing. The doulas are all affirming and dedicated to inclusivity for all.
Birth Sisters of Charlottesville, a collective of BIPOC doulas, serves the BIPOC birthing community. While open to working with LGBTQ+ parents, they acknowledge the need for further education when supporting trans fathers. They offer various supportive services at The Rock House, including yoga and lactation support. Medicaid-eligible clients receive free doula support, and a sliding scale fee ensures affordability for all.
Planned Parenthood is a very welcoming space in Charlottesville to LGBTQ+ folks and supports trans folks with hormone therapy as well as infertility or other reproductive concerns. They are quite a ways from downtown Charlottesville, but have plenty of parking, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and are near a bus stop. It’s important to note that Planned Parenthood was founded by two sisters interested in eugenics even though the organization has moved away from these roots.
Ashtanga Yoga offers affordable mindfulness practices and welcomes LGBTQ+ folks with supportive staff. They provide reduced rates and offer prenatal and postpartum yoga classes led by a doula and midwife. While the studio prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility may be limited due to its location in an old building with no wheelchair access. Virtual classes are available.
NOW Yoga Cville studio is located near downtown on the same level as the parking lot. They are an affirming space but are double the cost of Ashtanga. That said, they do offer financial assistance if needed.
Benita Mayo is a local Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) instructor. She provides 1:1 or small-group TCTSY to individuals of any identity and is gender-affirming. She practices out of her studio at the McGuffey Art Center and has a sliding scale with a commitment not to turn anyone away based on ability to pay. McGuffey is 0.2 miles from the nearest bus stop and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Riverbend Integrative Trauma Treatment (RITT) offers Yoga Therapy for Trauma Recovery groups. These are closed groups that open at various points throughout the year. All forms of payment are accepted and there is also a sliding scale. RITT is dedicated to the inclusivity of all identities. They are located on Pantops, with a large parking lot, and 0.7 miles from the nearest bus stop. The facility is wheelchair-accessible.
Charlottesville First United Methodist Church (CFUMC) is openly affirming of LGBTQ+ folks and hosts various groups, including a parent’s group with childcare provided after the Sunday service. They address social justice issues and offer bible studies and small groups. Despite their affirming stance, CFUMC faces challenges with racial diversity among staff and their location's proximity to sites associated with past violent events. However, CFUMC is fully wheelchair accessible and offers virtual worship services for those unable to attend in person.
Trinity Episcopal Church, a historically Black church, welcomes and affirms LGBTQ+ individuals. It offers children's programming during services and hosts various small groups, with a focus on social justice and addressing food insecurity. Trinity's location near Washington Park and accessibility features make it convenient for attendees, but parking may be limited.
Other affirming congregations:
Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (south of town on 29 S; not to be confused with the Good Shepherd in the Music Resource Center downtown)
The Beautiful Idea is a trans, multi-owner retail store on the downtown mall, serving as an antifascist bookstore, queer makers’ market, and community hub. It hosts pop-up events for LGBTQ+ artists, offers harm reduction supplies, and features an antifascist book club and a small sex-positive shop. There is a small stoop at the entry, but the owners have a ramp on hand if necessary, and nearby parking is available. The store has a strong BIPOC focus and supports activism, providing a sense of belonging and community for LGBTQ+ individuals, including parents.
Visible Records is an art gallery near the Belmont neighborhood, committed to diversity, equity, and socioeconomic support.
Other Local Safe Spaces:
Blue Moon Diner is a less-obvious safe space, offering diner-style food in midtown.
Umma’s Korean regularly hosts LGBTQ+ meetups.
Firefly Restaurant regularly hosts LGBTQ+ meetups.
While addiction and recovery were not prominent in the research, I am including resources briefly here based on anecdotal evidence of the need for affirming support. There is an active AA, NA, and Al-Anon community in Charlottesville. Those meetings range in inclusivity, but the Monday 8 pm Al-Anon meeting is an affirming group of folks.
On Our Own is a local recovery group offering peer support led by certified specialists. They host over 21 weekly groups, including LGBTQIA+ support, without the need for registration. The organization provides free food, Narcan, and homelessness support. Housed in the historically significant Johnson House, the building pays homage to its Black heritage. Though lacking a confirmed wheelchair-accessible entrance, the group fosters racial diversity and community support.
Region 10 (mentioned above) partners with Project Link to offer a prenatal group for pregnant persons struggling with a substance use disorder. That said, I was unable to confirm if this would be an affirming place for LGBTQ+ parents.