If you’re pregnant or have just given birth, we have 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 May. Whether you’re looking for childbirth preparation, breastfeeding support, or simply a group of new moms, you can connect with experts and fellow moms who will share valuable tips, ideas, and support. 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 babe—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: iStock/shih-wei)
Featured events
Tips and Tricks to Childproof Your Home (virtual)
May 7 at 5:30 PM
It is Safe Kids Month! Before we know it, our babies become a lot more mobile-crawling, scooting, rolling over, and even walking! That means it’s time to do some childproofing around the house to keep your little one safe. Join our community health educators to discuss the best tips and tricks to childproof your home, including a childproofing checklist to keep you on track.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center & Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
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
Breastfeeding Today at Monmouth Medical Center
May 17 at 10 AM
Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits to both babies and their mothers. This class introduces prospective mothers and fathers to breastfeeding by providing information through an informal discussion on the process and techniques of breastfeeding. Topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, how to prepare and get started, concerns of working mothers, and the role of the family. A Certified Lactation Consultant teaches this class. We will send you the booklet with the code to access the videos, which include topics such as milk production, hunger cues, latch, storing breast milk, and more. A 2-hour Zoom meeting with the Lactation Consultant for Q&A will take place (viewing of all videos will be required before the meeting). Registration is required: 732.923.5024.
Cost: $50
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center
Mom & Baby Nursing Support Group – Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
May 13 and 27 at 11:30 AM
Join us for a free, in-person Mom-and-Baby Nursing Support Group offered twice a month and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. This group promotes nursing and growth milestones for babies through peer support. It meets in the Geriatrics Conference Room on 3 West at MMCSC. Call 862-781-3873 for first-time registration.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, 600 River Ave, Geriatrics Conference Room on 3West, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
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.
Virtual Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Group
May 5, 12, 19, 26 at 12 PM
Do you have questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding? 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 be sent the link to participate in the group, please register online.
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center & Community Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center now offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, PhD. 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. Please register online for more information and to receive the Zoom link.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 2, 9, 16, 23 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
Prenatal Breastfeeding – RWJUH Somerset
May 14 at 7 PM
Expectant parents will learn about all things breastfeeding, including proper positioning and latch, maternal nutrition, utilizing a breast pump and avoiding common breastfeeding issues. This course is taught by a Certified Lactation Counselor.
Cost: $50
RWJ Somerset – Fuld Auditorium, 110 Rehill Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Birthing Basics – RWJUH Somerset
May 21 at 6 PM
This program for expectant parents provides in-depth information on all stages of childbirth. Parents will learn about preparing for labor, the signs of labor, comfort measures, and what to expect immediately after the birth of their child.
Cost: $75
RWJ Somerset – Fuld Auditorium, 110 Rehill Ave. Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
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’ll feel confident 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
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 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 – May 1, 8, 15, 22 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
May 14 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This in-person program comprises 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
May 8 at 3 PM
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
May 13 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 enable mothers-to-be and their support persons to learn more about the basics of breastfeeding. 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
May 29 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
May 1 and 22 at 4 PM and May 1 and 22 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.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Events for Kids and Parents
Toddler Story Time: Safe Kids Safety Month
May 12 at 11:30 AM
Happy Safe Kids Safety Month! Story time shouldn’t be left for just bedtime! Join us at the LiveWell Center for a kid’s story time where we read safety books and discuss kitchen safety & burns/scalds prevention.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center & Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Time for Tots
May 7 at 1 PM
This program is open to caregivers of children 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.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
May 6, 13, 20, 27 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, 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
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Toddler Snack Time
May 12 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
KidsFit in Motion | Champions in Training (12-18 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 4:30 PM
This class will teach aspiring athletes proper techniques for developing strength, agility, endurance, and speed, with an emphasis on injury prevention and recovery. For more information or to register: Email Kerri.Likakis@rwjbh.org or call 973-926-7371.
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
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 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 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 9 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
Fostering Healthy Dietary Habits and Preventing Eating Disorders in Children – RWJUH Somerset (Virtual)
May 13 at 12 PM
Recognize strategies to promote healthy eating habits in children, warning signs of potential issues, root causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, including information about RWJUH Somerset’s renowned Eating Disorder Program. Amanda Bitterman, LPC, ATR, lead therapist, Eating Disorder Unit Offered in collaboration with the Somerset County Business Partnership.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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