Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or expecting a baby, RWJBarnabas Health is here to support you, with in-person and virtual meetups this April to help guide your parenting journey. Take a look at their classes and groups that help you prepare for childbirth, get breastfeeding support, get advice on raising healthy kids, and connect with other new moms. You’ll have the opportunity to hear advice from experts and exchange helpful tips, ideas, and support with other moms. Have older kids who need to keep busy? There are classes and workshops for them, too, so go ahead and check out everything to help with your growing family—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio)
Featured events
Behavioral Feeding Parent Workshop – Children’s Specialized Hospital
April 9 at 4 PM
This virtual workshop was developed by Children’s Specialized Hospital and will be led by Doris Eckstine, LCSW. It helps parents of children ages 2-10 learn how to improve eating habits, broaden their children’s diets, and reduce family conflict around mealtimes.
Course Topics Include:
– Causes of feeding difficulty
– Avoiding power struggles
– Autism and feeding problems
– Strategies to increase acceptance of new foods
Cost: $80
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Specialized Hospital
Family & Friends Adult, Child, & Infant CPR (in-person)
April 29 at 6 PM
The AHA’s Family & Friends® CPR Course is a video-based, classroom course intended for anyone who wants to learn CPR and prefers an Instructor-led or facilitated group environment. This course is for people who do not need a course completion card for a job or other requirements. Family & Friends CPR is ideal for community groups, parents, grandparents, caregivers, schools, students, and others interested in learning how to save a life. * This is not a certification course.* You will receive a book for reference with a completion card. Individuals 10 and up are welcome to attend; 15 in-person spaces are available. Physical movement waiver required for participants.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Programs for new moms
New Moms – New Babies Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
April 1 and 15 at 12 PM
Whether it’s your first child or fifth, connect with other moms to share your experiences of motherhood—a professional lactation consult is offered. Support Persons are welcome.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 100 Kirkpatrick Street, RWJUH Community Education Room (2nd Floor), New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, RWJBarnabas Health
Breastfeeding Support Groups
April 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 at 1 PM
This two-hour program combines lecture and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience. Join us for a free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group offered weekly and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at the LiveWell Center. Promoting breastfeeding through peer support. Call for first-time registration: 862-781-3873.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facilities: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
April 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. Mommies’ Moods Group focuses on mother care rather than child care. Discussions address anxiety, depression, irritability, and feeling scared and overwhelmed by the transition to motherhood.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
April 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is now offering free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, PhD. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. New Moms Circle offers a space for mothers to discuss all aspects of motherhood during this new chapter. Conversations generally focus on childcare topics, but are dictated by the interests of the women attending the meeting. It’s an excellent opportunity for moms to connect and bond over a shared experience.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Virtual Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 12 PM
Gentle yoga for expecting moms to do in the comfort of their home.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – April 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7 PM-9 PM
The Department of Women’s Health and Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas offers this virtual class to help parents prepare for pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and learn baby care. The class covers breathing patterns, relaxation techniques, cesarean sections, epidurals, a review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care.
Cost: $95
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman 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
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
April 9 at 6:30 PM
This two-hour program features a combination of lecture and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience.
Cost: $35 per couple
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4 East Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Prenatal Breastfeeding Basics Class – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
April 18 at 9 AM
Are you expecting and planning to breastfeed? Join us for a two-hour prenatal breastfeeding class designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your breastfeeding journey. In this class, we will discuss what to expect in the early days, explore breastfeeding positions, review the many benefits of breastfeeding, and provide practical strategies for overcoming common challenges. Whether this is your first baby or you’re looking for a refresher, this class offers valuable guidance and support for every parent-to-be!
Cost: $40
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039
Events for Kids and Parents
Wheee Get Fit & Play
April 2 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit & Play is a boot-camp-style group fitness class for moms and their little ones! The class includes a 30-40 minute workout, followed by 15-20 minutes of kid-time activities, during which we play songs, dance, and crawl! We welcome ALL fitness levels, ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum fitness instructors help make modifications to meet you where you’re at. Being in a class full of moms creates a great community of new friendships to bloom. Ask your doctor if you are cleared to exercise before taking the class.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Teen Takeover: Snack Chat
April 2 at 6 PM
Join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen, where we’ll have fun making a healthy, trending recipe. Kids ages 11-17 are welcome to attend! Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any food allergies before attending.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
KidsFit in Motion | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 9 AM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with fantastic music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
KidsFit in Motion | Cardio Kids Jam (7-13 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 AM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with awesome music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
KidsFit in Motion | StrongHer Pilates (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 4:30 PM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with excellent music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
KidsFit in Motion | Athletic Conditioning (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 5:30 PM
KidsFit in Motion, led by Ignite One, will offer Youth Fitness Programming. Get ready for non-stop fun with awesome music, fitness games, cool dance moves, and chances to win prizes! You’ll get stronger, faster, and have a blast with your friends. Don’t miss out! Classes are FREE and graciously funded by the Devils Youth Foundation. A parent or guardian must stay for the duration of the class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health
Safe Sitter (in-person)
April 7 at 10 AM
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The class is filled with fun games, guided discussion, and role-playing exercises. Students will learn safety, childcare, life, and business skills. Pizza will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
April 7, 14, 21, 28 at 4:30 PM
Join in person or virtually for this hands-on cooking session for ages 8-12; parents/guardians must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, read recipes, follow kitchen safety tips, master measuring techniques, develop knife skills, and more. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 176 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Toddler Snack Time
April 20 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Bring your children ages 2 to 4 for a hands-on cooking class with our registered dietitian, featuring a fun and healthy snack.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 25 at 9:30 AM
This interactive cooking class introduces basic kitchen skills and new foods to young children. Healthy cooking for ages 5-7 with a parent/guardian.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 176 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen – Ages 2-4 – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
April 25 at 11 AM
This exciting cooking class uses simple recipes to encourage toddlers to try new foods through texture and flavor. Mommy-and-me-style cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/guardian. In-person class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 176 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Events for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
April 9 at 4 PM
A virtual seminar which allows grandparents-to-be to discuss their concerns and receive information on the importance of grandparenting, advancements in childbirth, trends and changes in infant care, and family communication.
Cost: Fee applies
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post.
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
