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 September to help you through every stage of your parenting journey. Take a look at their classes and groups that help you prepare for childbirth, get breastfeeding support, learn tips for raising healthy kids, and connect with other new moms. You’ll have the opportunity to hear 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 check out everything to support your growing family—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: istock/Natalia Kuzina)
Featured events
Prenatal Nutrition Education Series- HARVEST Farm to Community Center
September 4 and 11 at 1 PM
Calling all Pregnant Moms! This interactive, dietitian-led workshop takes the guesswork out of prenatal nutrition by cutting through the confusing internet noise. You will learn how simple, delicious food choices can boost your energy, ease morning sickness, and set the foundation for a lifetime of health for your baby.
Cost: Free
HARVEST Food Hub, 46 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Sponsoring Facility: Harvest Farm to Community Center
Baby Care Basics: Staying Safe and Sound (virtual)
September 10 at 12 PM
It’s time to learn how to care for your bundle of joy! Geared towards expecting and new parents, our nurse health educator will discuss how to safely care for your baby, exploring hot topics such as practicing proper hygiene, bathing, feeding, diapering, sleep, bonding, and more!
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Annual Baby Fair – Jersey City Medical Center
September 26 at 11 AM
Jersey City Medical Center’s annual Baby Fair offers a one-stop shop for all things baby-related. Whether you’re an expectant parent, a new mom, or a seasoned caregiver, you won’t want to miss it! Bring your family and friends and spend the day with us! At this year’s Baby Fair, come and experience:
– Vendor showcase: Explore products and services tailored for parents and babies.
– Educational workshops: Learn from Jersey City Medical Center’s healthcare professionals about newborn care, maternal health, and child safety.
– Interactive demonstrations: Get hands-on with baby gear, wellness techniques, and Jersey City Medical Center’s advanced maternity technology.
– Community resources: Connect with local organizations, support networks, and JCMC community partners.
– Raffles & prizes: Enter for a chance to win exciting giveaways.
– Guided tours of the Lord Abbett Maternity Wing: Explore our state-of-the-art maternity unit and meet our dedicated team.
Admission is free, and parking is available on-site; registration is required. For more information, send an email to: Frantz.Fleurissaint@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health
Eatontown Bike Rodeo
September 27 at 1 PM
Bring the kids and join Monmouth Medical Center, the Eatontown Complete Streets Advisory Committee, Eatontown Traffic Safety Bureau, Boy Scout Troop 49, and EZ Ride for a Bicycle Safety Rodeo to learn safe cycling skills! Bring your bike and helmet and go through different stations to learn to ride safely.
Cost: Free
Captain James M Gurbisz Park, Nicodemus Avenue and Broad Street in Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Programs for new moms
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
September 7, 14, 21, and 28 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 receive 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
Breastfeeding Support Groups
September 7, 19, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28 at 1 PM
Join us for a free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group, held weekly at the LiveWell Center and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant, that promotes breastfeeding through peer support. Connect with other parents, ask questions, and receive expert breastfeeding support in a welcoming environment. 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
New Moms – New Babies Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
September 2 and 16 at 12 PM
Whether it’s your first child or fifth, connect with other moms to share your experiences of motherhood—this group is designed to support you in the journey of motherhood. A lactation consultant will be part of the group, and 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
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
September 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Virtual Cesarean Delivery Preparation – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
September 15 at 6:30 PM
Women’s Health/Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers this virtual two-hour class for parents on having a cesarean birth and caring for their newborn.
Cost: $40
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Group
September 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 12 PM
Do you have questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding? We are pleased to offer our community a safe place for new and expecting moms to connect online. 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. For more information and to receive the link to join the group, please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – September 2, 9, 16, and 23 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
Virtual Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
September 5, 12, 19, and 26 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
Preparation for Breastfeeding
September 11 at 2 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a FREE discussion on breastfeeding preparation at the LiveWell Center or virtually. The talk provides mothers-to-be and their support person with the opportunity to learn the basics of breastfeeding. We will explore how to: get a good latch, establish your milk supply, determine whether your baby is getting enough, and pump and store breast milk. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Prenatal Breastfeeding Basics Class – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
September 13 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
KidsFit in Motion | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
September 12, 19, and 26 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
September 12, 19, and 26 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
September 14, 21, and 28 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
September 14, 21, and 28 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
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 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, via email at emily.ho@rwjbh.org or via phone at 973-926-7371.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 176 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Toddler Snack Time
September 21 at 10:30 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 and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Snack Time
September 22 at 4 PM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll have fun making simple, healthy snacks. Open to kids aged 4-10.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Teen Takeover: Snack Chat
September 24 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.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post.
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