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 October, helping 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 or grandparents who need a refresh? There are classes and workshops for them, too, so check out everything to support your growing family—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: istock/damircudic)
Featured Events This October With RWJBarnabas Health
Baby Fair – Community Medical Center
October 11 at 11 AM
Community Medical Center’s 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!
Cost: Free
Community Medical Center, 99 Highway 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755
Sponsoring Facility: Community Medical Center RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Nap to Nighttime: Baby’s Safe Sleep (virtual)
October 14 at 4 PM
Safe sleep practices help protect our babies and keep them breathing. Join us for a virtual discussion on best practices for babies’ safe sleep and resources at Monmouth Medical Center that help keep babies safe, happy, and healthy.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Programs for new moms
Breastfeeding Support Groups
October 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, and 29 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
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
October 2, 9, 16, and 23 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)
October 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. 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. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
New Moms – New Babies Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
October 7 and 21 at 12 PM
Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, connect with other moms to share your motherhood experiences—this group is designed to support you on your motherhood journey. 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
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Virtual Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
October 3, 10, 17, and 24 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 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Group
October 5, 12, 19, and 26
Do you have questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding? We are pleased to offer our community 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
Preparation for Breastfeeding
October 6 at 3 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a FREE discussion on breastfeeding preparation at the LiveWell Center or virtually. This talk allows mothers-to-be and their support person 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
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – October 7, 14, 21, and 28 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
Prenatal Educational Class – Jersey City Medical Center
October 20 at 3 PM
This one-hour class for prenatal families focuses on lactation and optimal maternity care practices. Recommended for the 1st or 2nd trimester. A maternity tour of the Labor & Delivery and Postpartum units will take place at the conclusion of the class.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4 East Sky Lobby, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Events for Kids and Parents
Wheee Get Fit & Play
October 1 and 15 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’re at. 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.
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 | Happy Feet Fitness (3-7 years old) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 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 full 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
October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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 full 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
October 5, 12, 19, and 26 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 full class.
Cost: Free
Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health & Wellness Center – 208 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
KidsFit in Motion | Athletic Conditioning (ages 12-18) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
October 5, 12, 19, and 26 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 full 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 | Yogalates (ages 10-18) – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
October 5, 12, 19, and 26 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 full 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
October 6, 13, 20, and 27 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
October 12 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 and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Kids Snack Time
October 12 at 4 PM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll make 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 and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Teen Takeover: Snack Chat
October 15 at 6 PM
Join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen where we’ll have fun making a healthy, trending recipe. Kids ages 11-17 are welcome to attend.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Event for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
October 8 at 4 PM
A virtual seminar that allows grandparents-to-be to discuss their concerns and learn about the importance of grandparenting, advancements in childbirth, trends and changes in infant care, and family communication.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post.
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