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 March. 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/ SDI Productions)
Featured event
Managing Your Child’s Behavior – Virtual Workshops for Parents – Children’s Specialized Hospital
Starting March 17- May 12
Need Help Managing Your Child’s Behavior? This parent workshop was developed by the child psychologists at Children’s Specialized Hospital to help
parents of children ages 2-10 years learn how to manage their behavior. Participants should select one cycle and attend all classes in that cycle.
Each Seven-Part Course will cover:
– Causes of misbehavior
– Setting limits and dealing with tantrums
– Managing sibling conflicts
– Developing and implementing behavioral systems
– Parent stress management, self-care, and support system
Cost: $99
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Specialized Hospital RWJBarnabas Health
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
March 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)
March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
March 27 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)
March 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
Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
March 13 at 6:30 PM
Women’s Health/ Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas offers this virtual class for parents about having a cesarean birth and how to care for their newborn.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Teresa Lastella, (973) 322-5360 or Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
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
March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 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 – March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7 PM-9 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
March 3 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This in-person program consists of four classes, 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
March 20 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 sessions 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
March 11 from 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 persons to learn more about breastfeeding basics. We will explore how to get a good latch, establish your milk supply, ensure your baby gets enough, and pump and store breast milk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center
March 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 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
March 10, 17, and 26 at 4 PM and March 10, 17, 24, and 26 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
March 1, 15, and 22 at 9 AM; March 1 and 15 at 10 AM; and March 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
March 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 4:30 PM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parents/guardians 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
March 5 and 19 at 1 PM
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 toddlers to each session. On 3/5: 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 3/19: 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, establish a routine, and give 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
March 20 at 9:30 AM
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: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Toddler Snack Time
March 17 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
March 6 and 27 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 are. Being in a class full of moms creates a great community for 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 Snack Time
March 20 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
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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.