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 July to help support 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 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/Cicy)
Featured events
What to Expect During Your Maternity Hospital Stay with Dr. Lichtenberger (virtual)
July 10 at 1 PM
Join Dr. Janice Lichtenberger, Director of the Nursery at Monmouth Medical Center, for a discussion on what to expect during your maternity stay at the hospital and for your newborn after birth. Together we will explore topics such as feeding, jaundice, routine testing, and medications, among other topics. We will also have a question and answer session to address your concerns. This is a virtual event. Register online and a member of our team will send you the link to join us via Zoom.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Childhood Diabetes Education: Pack a Healthy Lunch (hybrid)
July 23 at 6 PM
Join Diabetes Educators, Ashley D’Esposito, MS, RDN and Lisa Ball-O’Brien LSW CDCES, along with LiveWell Center registered dietitian, Jennifer Klein, MS, RDN for an interactive cooking class! Prepare for “Back-to School,” and learn how to pack a healthy, carb-balanced lunch. Provided through the generous support of the Goodes family. This class is open to children with Type 1 Diabetes and their caregiver. Attendance is free; registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Facility: 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 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
Programs for new moms
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
July 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
Breastfeeding Support Groups
July 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, and 30 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
July 1 and 15 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)
July 3, 10, 17, and 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
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Virtual Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Group
July 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 12 PM
Do you have questions about pregnancy or 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 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 – July 1, 8, 15, and 22 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
July 2 at 5 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
Virtual Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
July 4, 11, 18, and 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
Prenatal Breastfeeding Basics Class – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
July 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
Preparation for Breastfeeding
July 10 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
Events for Kids and Parents
KidsFit in Motion | StrongHer Pilates (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
July 6, 13, 20, and 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
July 6, 13, 20, and 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
KidsFit in Motion | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
July 4, 11, 18, and 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
July 4, 11, 18, and 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
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
July 7, 14, 21, and 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 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
July 27 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, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Cooking Class (in-person)
July 28 at 3 PM
Grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen. Young chefs age 4 and up are welcome to attend with an adult. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any allergies prior to attending.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post.
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