If you’re pregnant or just gave birth, we’ve got some good news—RWJBarnabas Health is offering in-person and virtual ways for new moms and moms-to-be to connect and be their healthiest this December. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, or just a group of new moms, you can log on to your computer or meet up in person with experts and moms who will share tips, ideas, and support. Have older kids who need to keep busy or grandparents looking to help? There are classes and workshops for them, too, so go ahead and check out everything to help with your babe—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: iStock/jeffbergen)
Programs for new moms
Beth Babies Breastfeeding Support Class
Tuesdays from 1 PM -2 PM
All pregnant women and nursing moms are welcome! To register, email janine.marley@rwjbh.org.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
December 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, and 30 at 1 PM
Join us for a free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group offered weekly and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at the LiveWell Center. Call for first-time registration: 862.781.3873. Contact Info: Lactation Support
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
New Moms – New Babies: A Support Group For New Mothers – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
December 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 12 PM
Connect with other moms to share the joys and challenges of new motherhood. With group discussions, we will address postpartum issues such as sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, including getting started, how and when to pump, weaning and more, body image issues, staying at home or working outside the home, childcare issues, balancing baby’s needs with family needs, functioning without personal space, and postpartum depression.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center – RWJUH Community Education Room (2nd Floor), 100 Kirkpatrick Street, New Brunswick, NJ
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
December 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 11 AM-12 PM
Are you pregnant or a new mom? Do you feel 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 childbirth complications, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, which 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. Join our virtual community, led by a certified Perinatal Mood Disorder 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, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
December 6, 13, and 20 from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
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
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
December 9 from 6:30-8:30 PM
This two-hour program combines lectures and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience. Topics include how breastfeeding works, latching on and positioning, when to feed your baby, and more.
Cost: $35 per couple
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center now offers 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 allows moms to discuss all facets of becoming a mother during this precarious time. 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 around a shared experience.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Maternity Tours at Newark Beth Israel
Seven days a week at 9:30 AM, 4 PM, and 8 PM
If you or your family is expecting a baby, we are ready to help you manage your prenatal health throughout your pregnancy and plan for the big day. Let us show you our rooms and amenities, expert labor and delivery support, and high-tech neonatal intensive care units (NICU) so you will be comfortable choosing us for your maternity care.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace, Newark, NJ 07112
RSVP required. Call 973-926-7108 or fill out our Request a Maternity Tour form.
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
December 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 12 PM
Gentle yoga for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Virtual Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Support Group
December 2, 9, 16, 24, and 30 at 12 PM
Do you have questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding? In a friendly virtual environment, our Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultants will provide guidance and answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, as well as latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning for breastfeeding mothers. We are here to support you. Please register online for more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – December 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 7 PM-9 PM; One-Day Course – December 7 from 9 AM-5 PM
The Department of Women’s Health and Parent Education at Cooperman 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, epidurals, a review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care. A multi-part course consists of four-weekday sessions from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A one-day course is on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
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
Childbirth Education Classes- Jersey City Medical Center
December 2 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This in-person program consists of a set of 4 classes, 2-hours at a time, featuring a combination of lectures and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience.
Cost: $125 (per couple)
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4 East Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
December 5 or 19 at 5 PM
Is a baby on the way, or are you planning your birthing journey? Take a tour of our Labor & Delivery and Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, and get your questions answered by our Mother-Baby team. For adults only, no children will be allowed.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Preparation for Breastfeeding
December 10 at 3 PM – 4:30 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a free discussion on breastfeeding preparation at the LiveWell Center or virtually. The talk allows mothers-to-be and their support person to learn more about breastfeeding basics. We will explore how to get a good latch, establish your milk supply, identify that your baby is getting enough, and pump and store breastmilk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Prenatal Education Class – Jersey City Medical Center
December 16 at 3 PM
This one-hour class for prenatal women must be completed before entering the third trimester of pregnancy. There will be an option for virtual or in-person sessions. (*In-person session will include a maternity tour.) Note: This session is for existing prenatal patients at Women’s Health at Jersey City Medical Center. Topics include breastfeeding, nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labor, rooming in on a 24-hour basis, and the importance of early skin-to-skin contact.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 3 East Sky Lobby, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center
December 16 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations on topics like physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. You must complete the registration and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. They will send the link before the start of class.
Cost: $35 per couple
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Maternity Orientation & Tour – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
December 1 at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM
Delivering at CBMC? Our Woman’s Health Education Department hosts an informative tour to help you prepare for your special delivery. This hour-long group tour walks you through the arrival process, our newly renovated Labor and Delivery suites, private postpartum rooms, and more. In order to provide you with a personalized experience, class size is limited. Online reservations are
required.
Cost: Free
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Events for Kids and Parents
Safe @ Home (in-person)
December 30 from 11 AM – 12 PM
Safe@Home by Safe Sitter® is designed for students in grades 4-6 to prepare them to be safe when they are home alone. This program teaches students how to practice safe habits, prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. All students will receive a book with this important information! Healthy snacks will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
KidsFit in Motion
December 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 9 AM
This lively weekend class will help young children improve their mobility, flexibility, and coordination through various fitness games and dance moves. Fun Fitness is for ages 5-7 with a parent/guardian. Wear sneakers! For more information or to register, contact Kerri Likakis, MS, RDN, at 973-926-7371 or Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 3, 10, and 17 at 4:30 PM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, knife skills, and more. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Baby and Me Yoga Flow
December 5 or 19 at 9:30 AM
Join Wheee Get Fit and Play for Baby and Me Yoga Flow! This gentle practice will have you and your baby moving through gentle poses and movements to build core strength, stability, and flexibility. The class includes 30-40 minutes of yoga and 15-20 minutes of kid-time activities during which we play songs, dance, and crawl! We welcome ALL fitness levels, ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Please bring your own towel or mat for the program. It is an in-person program, and a physical movement waiver is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Snack Time
December 19 at 4 PM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. We’ll have fun making simple, healthy snacks. This class is open to kids aged 4-10. 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
Wheee Get Fit & Play
December 12 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit and Play is a boot camp-style group fitness class for moms and their little ones! 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 are. 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. Please bring your own towel or mat for the program. This program is in-person only, and a physical
movement waiver is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Cooking Class
December 5 from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any 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
Toddler Snack Time
December 9 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Bring your little ones, 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
Events for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar
December 12 at 4 PM
A virtual seminar that 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.
Virtual
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