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 October. 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/Ridofranz)
Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium
October 29 at 5:30 PM
Devin Alexander, renowned chef from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and cookbook author, will be the keynote speaker for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium, “Balancing Hormones and Losing BIG with Devin Alexander,” on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bridgewater Manor. She will be joined by Deborah Lue, MD, breast surgeon with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and director of breast cancer program at RWJUH Somerset’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, to discuss the importance of balancing exercise with a healthy diet to prevent breast cancer as well as the relationship between hormones and breast cancer. There will be dinner, a cooking demonstration and a copy of Alexander’s cookbook.
Cost: $25 per person
Bridgewater Manor, 1251 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
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.
New Moms – New Babies: A Support Group For New Mothers – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 12 PM
Connect with other moms to share the joys and challenges of new motherhood. With group discussions, we will address postpartum issues such as sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, including getting started, how and when to pump, weaning and more, body image issues, staying at home or working outside the home, childcare issues, balancing baby’s needs with family needs, functioning without personal space, and postpartum depression.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center – RWJUH Community Education Room (2nd Floor), 100 Kirkpatrick Street, New Brunswick, NJ
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
October 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 11 AM-12 PM
Are you pregnant or a new mom? Do you feel like motherhood isn’t what you thought it would be? Do you have feelings of anxiety, panic, rage, or sadness? You are not alone. You could be experiencing one of the most common childbirth complications, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, which is temporary and treatable, and we can help. We are pleased to offer our communities a safe place and a judgment-free group for new and expecting moms to connect online. Join our virtual community, led by a certified Perinatal Mood Disorder specialist in this field who can answer your questions, validate your feelings and concerns, and offer more resources if needed.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Clara Maass Medical Center, Community Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, RWJBarnabas Health, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 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 during the pandemic.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. 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
Nap to Nighttime: Baby’s Safe Sleep
October 23 at 6 PM
Safe sleep practices help protect our babies and keep them breathing. Join us for a discussion on best practices for baby’s safe sleep and resources at Monmouth Medical Center that help keep baby safe, happy, and healthy.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
October 28 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
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
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.
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – October 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 7 PM-9 PM; One-Day Course – October 5 from 9 AM-5 PM
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. This class addresses breathing patterns, relaxation, cesarean sections, epidurals, a review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care. A multi-part course consists of four-weekday sessions from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A one-day course is on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM – 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
October 2 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This in-person program consists of a set of 4 classes, 2-hours at a time, featuring a combination of 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
Breastfeeding Support Groups
October 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 31 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
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
October 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 12 PM
Gentle yoga for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Maternity Orientation & Tour – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
October 6
Are you delivering at CBMC? Our Woman’s Health Education Department hosts an informative tour to help you prepare for your special delivery. This hour-long group tour walks you through the arrival process, our newly renovated Labor and Delivery suites, private postpartum rooms, and more. Class size is limited to a more personalized experience, and online reservations are required.
Cost: Free
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, NJ 07039
Virtual Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Support Group
October 7, 14, 22, and 28 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. Please register online for more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Preparation for Breastfeeding
October 8 at 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 allows mothers-to-be and their support person to learn more about breastfeeding basics. We will explore how to get a good latch, establish your milk supply, identify that your baby is getting enough, and pump and store breastmilk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
October 17 and 21 at 3 PM or October 7, 17, and 21 at 4 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
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center
October 30 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations on topics like physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. You must complete the registration and payment received 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
Events for Kids and Parents
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
October 1, 15, 22, and 29 at 4:30 PM
Join in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian 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
Toddler Snack Time
October 14 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
Kids Snack Time
October 14 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
Wheee Get Fit & Play
October 17 and 31 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit, and Play is a boot camp-style group fitness class for moms and their little ones!
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 of 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. In-person program only and physical
movement waiver required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Safe Kids Halloween Celebration
October 22 at 3:30 PM
It is spooky season! As we trick-or-treat and celebrate, it is essential littles stay safe. Join the Safe Kids Coalition of Monmouth County at the LiveWell Center to decorate pumpkins and make spooky crafts as we teach our kids to be safe and seen this Halloween! Children ages 3-10 are welcome to attend; dress up in your Halloween costume for extra fun. Healthy, spooky snacks will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Baby and Me Yoga Flow
October 24 at 9:30 AM
Join Wheee Get Fit and Play for Baby and Me Yoga Flow! 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 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. Please bring your own towel or mat for the program. It is an in-person program only, and a physical movement waiver is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Managing Your Child’s Behavior – 2024 Virtual Workshops for Parents – Children’s Specialized Hospital Mondays from October 28-December 9 at 6:30 PM
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 the following:
– 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 Sponsoring Facilities: Children’s Specialized Hospital and RWJBarnabas Health
Events for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
October 10 at 4 PM
This virtual seminar allows grandparents-to-be to discuss their concerns and receive information on the importance of grandparenting, advancements in childbirth, trends and changes in infant care, and family communication.
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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