Supporting LGBTQ+ Families:
Local & Online Resources for Every Step of the Journey
Building a family looks different for everyone, and there is no single path to parenthood. Whether you're growing your family through pregnancy, surrogacy, adoption, foster care, or donor conception, you deserve compassionate, affirming care and a community that celebrates your journey.
At Doulas of Capitol Hill, we believe every family deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and supported. We are proud to provide inclusive, judgment-free care for LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond.
If you're looking for additional support, here are some wonderful resources—both locally and online—to help you navigate your parenting journey.
Family Building & Fertility
Rainbow Families DC
Rainbow Families DC is one of the most valuable resources for LGBTQ+ families in the DMV. Their mission is to connect, support, and empower LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents through every stage of family life.
Their programs include:
Maybe Baby, a multi-week educational course for prospective parents exploring IVF, donor conception, surrogacy, adoption, and foster care.
Peer support groups for prospective parents, new parents, adoptive families, transgender parents, and more.
Family-friendly events throughout the year.
A directory of LGBTQ+-affirming providers and businesses throughout the region.
Whether you're just beginning to think about growing your family or you're already parenting little ones, Rainbow Families DC is a wonderful place to find community.
Rainbow Families DC – https://www.rainbowfamilies.org
Maybe Baby Program: https://www.rainbowfamilies.org/prospective-parents
Resource Directory: https://www.rainbowfamilies.org/resource-directory
Columbia Fertility Associates
Columbia Fertility Associates has extensive experience helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples grow their families through assisted reproductive technology.
Services include:
Donor sperm and donor egg programs
Reciprocal IVF
Gestational surrogacy
Fertility preservation
Personalized family-building plans
Columbia Fertility Associates – https://www.columbiafertility.com
Shady Grove Fertility
With locations throughout the DMV, Shady Grove Fertility offers comprehensive fertility care for LGBTQ+ families, including donor services, IVF, IUI, reciprocal IVF, fertility preservation, and gestational carrier support.
Shady Grove Fertility – https://www.shadygrovefertility.com
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Family building isn't always a straightforward journey. RESOLVE offers education, advocacy, support groups, and resources for anyone navigating infertility or fertility treatment.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association – https://resolve.org
LGBTQ+-Affirming Healthcare
Whitman-Walker Health
For decades, Whitman-Walker Health has been a trusted healthcare provider for the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC.
They offer:
Primary healthcare
Family planning
Behavioral health services
Sexual and reproductive healthcare
Pharmacy services
Gender-affirming care
Their commitment to inclusive healthcare has made them an invaluable resource for countless families.
Whitman-Walker Health – https://www.whitman-walker.org
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
Finding affirming healthcare providers can sometimes feel overwhelming. This organization provides educational resources for both healthcare professionals and patients, helping families advocate for respectful, inclusive care throughout pregnancy and parenthood.
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center – https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org
Parenting & Community
Rainbow Families DC
Community is just as important after your baby arrives.
Rainbow Families DC hosts:
Family meetups
Playgroups
Seasonal celebrations
Parenting groups
Community events throughout the DMV
Meeting other families with similar experiences can provide reassurance, friendship, and lasting connections.
Rainbow Families DC – https://www.rainbowfamilies.org
The DC Center for the LGBT Community
The DC Center serves as a hub for LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the region.
Their offerings include:
Community events
Educational workshops
Support groups
Resource referrals
Advocacy programs
It's a wonderful place to discover local organizations and build meaningful community connections.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community – https://thedccenter.org
Mental Health & Family Support
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
The transition into parenthood can be joyful, overwhelming, and everything in between.
PSI provides:
Virtual support groups
Mental health education
Provider referrals
Resources for postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and other perinatal mood disorders
Their support is inclusive of LGBTQ+ parents and families.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – https://www.postpartum.net
PFLAG
PFLAG has been supporting LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones for more than 50 years.
Through local chapters and online programming, families can find:
Educational resources
Support groups
Community events
Family education
Advocacy opportunities
PFLAG National – https://pflag.org
Resources for Families with Older Children
SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders)
SMYAL supports LGBTQ+ youth and the adults who care for them through mentoring, education, leadership programs, and family resources. They are an excellent organization for parents looking to support LGBTQ+ children and teens.
SMYAL – https://smyal.org
Children's National Hospital Gender Development Program
Children's National provides multidisciplinary, gender-affirming care for children, adolescents, and their families.
Services include:
Medical care
Mental health support
Family education
Care coordination
Knowing these resources are available can provide peace of mind as children grow.
Children's National Gender Development Program – https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/departments/gender-development-program
Choosing LGBTQ+-Affirming Birth Professionals
Whether you're choosing an OB-GYN, midwife, fertility specialist, pediatrician, therapist, lactation consultant, or doula, it's important to work with providers who respect your family's unique story.
Consider asking questions like:
Do you regularly work with LGBTQ+ families?
Are your intake forms inclusive of different family structures and pronouns?
How do you include non-birthing parents throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
Do you have experience supporting families through donor conception, surrogacy, IVF, or adoption?
Can you recommend other LGBTQ+-affirming providers in the area?
The right provider won't just answer these questions—they'll make every member of your family feel welcomed, respected, and included.
Your Family Belongs Here
Every family deserves care that is compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in respect.
At Doulas of Capitol Hill, we're honored to support LGBTQ+ families throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Whether you're preparing to welcome your first baby, expanding your family, or simply looking for a trusted support person, we're here to walk alongside you.
Building a family takes a village, and we'd be honored to be part of yours.