Let’s be real here for a second moms, it’s hard. I have yet to meet a mom who says that motherhood is a walk in the park…and we are at the park a lot. Motherhood is a lot and there are so many moms that do not have a village. We aren’t meant to do this alone but sometimes we don’t feel like we have a choice. That’s where the New Mom School comes in. This is the best decision that I made as a new mom. I dealt with postpartum depression and anxiety and I have to say that coming here weekly was something that allowed me to recognize that, and get the help that I needed. It was such an amazing experience and I recommend New Mom School to every pregnant mom in Orange County.

As a luxury motherhood photographer in Orange County, I have the honor of documenting some of life’s most meaningful seasons. But there is also a season that needs more care than others. The postpartum season. We always see the beauty on the internet, and that is an amazing view. However we aren’t always beautiful. Sometimes we are crying and feel alone. Other times we haven’t showered all week and we stink. Freshly postpartum moms need a place to feel cared for. New Mom School Newport Mesa is one of those rare spaces in Newport Beach / Costa Mesa that understands how deeply new mothers need to be supported during this time. From the moment you walk in, you feel it: warmth, safety, and a true sense of belonging. Owner Rebecca Kushnerhas intentionally created an environment where pregnant and postpartum moms feel welcomed, cared for, and never judged.

I had the opportunity to talk to Rebecca and a Bumps and Bagels event that is hosted every month. This gives moms the opportunity to come and see what New Mom School is all about. It is such an amazing experience and moms connect right away. Rebecca was inspired to become a franchisee after witnessing firsthand the positive impact these classes have—not only on moms, but on the entire family system. When a mother feels supported and informed, everything shifts. Confidence grows, stress softens, and families are better equipped to navigate the early months together. That ripple effect is what drew Rebecca to bring New Mom School to Orange County and continues to guide the heart behind this location. Right when you walk in you feel as if you belong and have been here before. Every time I walked through the doors I was greeted with happy faces and someone who genuinely wanted to help me. It was a breath of fresh air every week.

At its heart, New Mom School Newport Mesa offers postpartum support, community, and education for new moms in Orange County. Mothers receive research-based, doctor-backed guidance from trusted experts while learning alongside a small group of moms whose babies have similar birthdays. That shared experience creates connection and reassurance during a season that can often feel isolating. The mission goes beyond education—it’s about fundamentally changing the way new moms are cared for during postpartum, especially here in the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa communities.When asked her favorite part of being a business owner, Rebecca shares that while watching the babies grow is incredibly special, the most meaningful part is watching the moms grow. Seeing women step into their confidence, trust themselves, and find their rhythm in motherhood is the most rewarding part of her work.

One thing many people don’t realize is that New Mom School Newport Mesa offers free weekly breastfeeding and postpartum adjustment support groups—an amazing resource for moms who need extra reassurance and connection. Moms are also encouraged to register while pregnant to secure a spot in a class after baby arrives, ensuring support is already in place when it matters most. These resources are just an added bonus. The best part? Moms can utilize these services even after they graduated their class.

On a personal note, I am an alumni of this New Mom School location, and it made a profound difference in my own postpartum journey. As both a mother and a photographer serving families throughout Orange County and Newport Beach, I can confidently say this space offers something truly special. If you’re expecting and looking for postpartum support that feels thoughtful, evidence-based, and deeply nurturing, this is a beautiful place to begin. Every week I went I felt closer to the moms in my class and even today we still text and hang out. We have built friendships that are special and we always have someone to lean on when we need it.

If you’re currently pregnant or planning ahead for postpartum, I gently encourage you to learn more or register early—your future self will thank you. You can view the schedule on their website.