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 February. 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/Viorel Kurnosov)
Featured event
Car Seat Safety Class for Caregivers – RWJUH Somerset
February 27 at 6 PM
During this program, parents and caregivers will learn how to keep children safe in cars as they grow. This in-person, free class will educate attendees on using car seats, booster seats, and seat belts properly. This program will also cover selecting a car seat, installing it, and securing a child in the car. This class will be led by a certified car seat technician.
Cost: Free
RWJ Somerset – Fuld Auditorium, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
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
February 3 and 6 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
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
February 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center now offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, PhD. Please register online for more information and to receive the Zoom link. The 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
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
February 6 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 Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
February 7, 14, 21, and 28 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
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
February 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 12 PM
Gentle yoga for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – February 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 7 PM-9 PM; One-Day Course – February 22 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. The class addresses breathing patterns, relaxation, cesarean sections, epidurals, a review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care. It is divided into four-week sessions from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. and a one-day course on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 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
February 3 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This in-person program consists of 4 classes, 2-hours at a time, featuring 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
Prenatal Education Class – Jersey City Medical Center
February 10 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
Preparation for Breastfeeding
February 11 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 will allow 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, ensure your baby is getting enough, and pump and store breastmilk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center
February 26 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations on 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 Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
February 27 at 4 PM and February 10 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
Events for Kids and Parents
KidsFit in Motion
February 1, 8, and 22 at 9 AM, February 1, 8, and 22 at 10 AM, and February 5, 12, and 19 at 4:30 PM
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 children ages 5-7 with a parent or 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
February 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
Time for Tots
February 5 and 19 at 1 PM
It’s time for tots! This series occurs twice a month, on the first and third Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. This program is open to caretakers of little ones aged 1 to 3. It aims to address the various topics related to developmental milestones, nutrition and allergies, behavior management, and more to help answer any burning questions new parents may have. Caretakers are encouraged to bring along their toddler to each session. On 2/5: Car Seats – In this session, we discuss car seats. Not sure if your baby is ready for their next car seat? Have you ever wondered if one car seat is safer than another? Anna Busler, MPH, Safe Kids Coordinator of Monmouth/Ocean Counties, Child Passenger Safety Technician Certified, will be available to answer all your child passenger safety questions. On 2/19: Preparing for Daycare – In this session, we discuss preparing for daycare. Tara Murphy, MSN, RN, IBCLC, and Rosalind Elliott, CNM, RN, IBCLC, will be available to discuss how to get your child (and yourself) ready for this transition, establishing a routine, and tips on staying healthy with more germs around!
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Baby and Me Yoga Flow
February 6 and 20 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 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
Toddler Snack Time
February 10 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
Wheee Get Fit & Play
February 13 and 27 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit & 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
Sensory Play Activity Day: Ages 4-6
February 17 at 12 PM
Sensory play refers to toys or activities that stimulate a child’s senses, mainly focusing on touch, sight,
and hearing. This can be anything from playing with slime to bins of beads. Join us for sensory activities
geared towards children 4-6 years old.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Snack Time
February 25 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
Events for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar
February 11 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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