May is Maternal Mental Health Month, and if you’re pregnant or just gave birth, chances are you’re missing those essential in-person support opportunities like prepping for your baby with pre-birth classes or bonding with other new moms. But here’s some good news (and you don’t have to leave your house)— RWJBarnabas Health is offering virtual ways for moms to connect and be their healthiest this May and June. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, or just a group of new moms, you can log on from your couch to find support for every new mom and mom-to-be.
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
May 8, 15, 22 from 3 PM – 4 PM
Enjoy a Gentle Yoga class just for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
For more information contact: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN, molly.fallon@rwjbh.org, 973-926-7371
Childbirth Preparation Class-Monmouth Medical Center
May 16 and June 6 and 27 from 10 AM – 1 PM
This program will focus on what to expect during labor and delivery; anesthesia choices; relaxation and breathing techniques; and the immediate postpartum period. A 3-hour zoom meeting will take place for the Q&A session and for practicing breathing techniques with the instructor.
Cost: $100
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center
For registration and more information call: 732.923.5024 or e-mail Ana.Pinto@rwjbh.org
Prenatal Nutrition 101
May 12 from 1 PM- 2 PM
Virtual class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Register online or contact: Molly Fallon Dixon, molly.fallon@rwjbh.org 973-926-7371
Pregnancy Support Group
May 6, 13, 20, and 27
Being pregnant is amazing—and at times, amazingly stressful. We get it. Pregnancy can leave you with a lot of questions. This is especially true with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by maternal health experts our online community is a supportive and inclusive space to meet other pregnant women, ask questions and form meaningful connections.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center, Community Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, RWJBarnabas Health, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Saint Barnabas Multi-Part Course
Multiple Course Dates and One Day Course options available from May-August
The Women’s Health/Parent Education at Saint Barnabas offers this virtual class for parents to help prepare them for pregnancy, labor, and delivery and provide instruction in baby care. This class addresses breathing patterns, relaxation, cesarean sections, epidural, review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care.
Cost: $75
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
To be placed into a class and make payment, please call 973-322-5360 or submit the completed registration form by fax to 973-322-9784 or email to Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org.
New Moms
Beth Babies: Breastfeeding Class
May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and July 6
Worried that you will not have enough milk? Concerned that breastfeeding is going to be painful? Learn techniques to latch your baby well, receive skilled guidance from Lactation Counselors and meet other pregnant and nursing mothers. Pregnant women, partners, and nursing babies welcome!
Cost: Free
Virtual, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Registrant info goes to: janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Saint Barnabas
May 11 or 25 from 7 PM – 9 PM
The Women’s Health/Parent Education Department at Saint Barnabas is offering a virtual prenatal workshop to help mothers achieve the confidence and skills necessary for a satisfying nursing experience once their baby is born. Partners should participate along with mom.
Cost: $30
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
To be placed into a class and make payment, please call 973-322-5360 or submit the completed registration form by fax to 973-322-9784 or email to Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org.
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Saint Barnabas)
Saint Barnabas Medical Center is offering free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D.
For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online.
Virtual New Moms Circle
May 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM
New Moms Circle offers an opportunity for moms to discuss all facets of becoming a mother during this precarious time. Conversations generally focus on child-care topics but are dictated by the interests of the women attending the meeting. It’s a great opportunity for moms to connect and bond around a common experience. New moms along with their babies are welcome to attend occasionally or each week. A Breastfeeding Support Group follows at 11:30 am.
Cost: Free— Please register online in the event of a cancellation (you only need to register once).
Sponsored by Saint Barnabas Wellness Institute at Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC MetroWest
Breastfeeding Class- Monmouth Medical Center
May 15 from 10 AM – 12 PM, May 27 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, June 19 from 10 AM – 12 PM, and June 24 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to babies and their mothers. This class introduces prospective mothers and fathers to breastfeeding by providing information through an informal discussion on the process and techniques of breastfeeding. Topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, how to prepare and get started concerns of working mothers, and the role of the family. This class is taught by a Certified Lactation Consultant. A 2-hour zoom meeting with the Lactation Consultant for Q&A will take place.
Cost: $50
Virtual
For registration and more information call: 732.923.5024 or e-mailing Ana.Pinto@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
May 24, June 30, more dates through December
The program will include two hours combination lectures and movie presentations. Class is held monthly. Topics include physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. Registration must be filled and payment received at least 2 weeks prior to the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent prior to the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $35
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For any questions, please contact Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration:201-915-2365 Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org or Attention – Eufemia Rios/3 East, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
May 10, 17, 24 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Do you have questions about breastfeeding? We are pleased to offer our communities a safe place for new and expecting moms to connect online. In a friendly virtual environment, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants will provide guidance and answer questions about latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning. Don’t let breastfeeding challenges discourage you during COVID-19. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. For more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center, Community Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, RWJBarnabas Health, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
May 5, 12, 19, 26, and June 2 from 11 AM – 12 PM
Are you a pregnant or new mom? Are you feeling like motherhood isn’t what you thought it would be? Do you have feelings of anxiety, panic, rage, or sadness? You are not alone. You could be experiencing one of the most common complications of childbirth, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, this is temporary and treatable, and we can help. We are pleased to offer our communities a safe place and a judgment-free group for new and expecting moms to connect online. We understand that during this time of COVID-19, increased isolation and increased concerns about crowds/gatherings may be preventing you from reaching out for help. Join our virtual community, led by a Perinatal Mood Disorder certified specialist in this field, who can answer your questions, validate your feelings and concerns, and offer more resources if needed.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center, Community Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, RWJBarnabas Health, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Mom Central
May 5 from 1 PM – 1:45 PM
Virtual mom support group with group discussions on nutrition and health topics. There will be incentives for weekly participants.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Virtual Pregnancy Support Circle (Saint Barnabas)
May 5, 12, 19, 26 and June 2 from 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center is now offering free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. The Pregnancy Support Circle provides a space for expectant women to connect and support each other during this incredibly scary time. Please check the online calendar as well for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Friday Mommies Moods Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Saint Barnabas)
May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center is now offering free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. Mommies Moods Group focuses on mother-care rather than child-care. Discussions address issues of anxiety, depression, irritability, and feeling scared and overwhelmed by the transition to motherhood during the pandemic. Please check the online calendar as well for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Wednesday Pregnancy Support Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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