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 May to help guide your parenting journey. Take a look at their classes and groups that help you prepare for childbirth, get breastfeeding support, get advice on raising healthy kids, and connect with other new moms. You’ll have the opportunity to hear advice 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/nensuria)
Featured events
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center presents Women’s Health Day Brunch
May 16 at 10 AM
Join us for Brunch, an Expert-led Health & Wellness Discussion, and more:
• Flexibility Yoga (bring your mats)
• Mind, Body and Soul Meditation
• Free Health and Wellness Screenings
• Vendors for your shopping pleasure
• Special Attendee Gift
• Door Prizes
With a delicious brunch, free health screenings, shopping, door prizes, a special attendee gift, and more, register today, as space is limited.
Cost: Free
Newark Airport Marriott, 1 Hotel Road, Newark, NJ 07114
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health
Baby Care Basics: Staying Safe and Sound (virtual)
May 27 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 Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Is That What The Kids Are Doing?
May 29 at 11 AM
With technology, social media, new slang, new safety recommendations, and more, it can be overwhelming to be a caregiver for a teen in 2026. Join our health educators as we discuss how to stay up to date and connected with our teenagers (ages 13-18). To attend virtually, email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org, and we will send you a link.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Programs for new moms
New Moms – New Babies Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
May 6 and 20 at 12 PM
Whether it’s your first child or fifth, connect with other moms to share your experiences of motherhood—a professional lactation consult is offered. 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
Breastfeeding Support Groups
May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 at 1 PM
This two-hour program combines lecture and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience. Join us for a free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group offered weekly and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at the LiveWell Center. Promoting breastfeeding through peer support. 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
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 1, 8, 15, and 22 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
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
What To Expect During Your Maternity Hospital Stay with Dr. Lichtenberger
May 8 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. We will also have a question-and-answer session to address your concerns.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Virtual Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – May 6, 13, 20, and 27 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
May 4 at 6:30 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
Prenatal Breastfeeding Basics Class – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
May 9 at 9 AM and 12 PM
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
Prenatal Educational Class – Jersey City Medical Center
May 14 at 3 PM
This is a one-hour class for prenatal families, focusing on lactation and optimal maternity care practices. Recommended to attend during the 1st or 2nd trimester. A maternity tour of the Labor & Delivery and Postpartum units is offered at the conclusion of class.
Topics include:
– Tips for successful breastfeeding: Early initiation and benefits of exclusively breastfeeding, baby-led and frequent feeding for optimal milk production, effective positioning and attachment, and the benefits of breastfeeding after 6 months
– Nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labor
– Rooming in on a 24-hour basis
– Importance of early skin-to-skin contact
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4 East Sky Lobby, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Events for Kids and Parents
KidsFit in Motion | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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
May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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
May 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
May 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
May 5, 12, 19, and 26 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. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-7371
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center, 176 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Toddler Snack Time
May 18 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 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 Snack Time
May 19 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, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post.
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