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 January 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/petrunjela)
Featured events
Teen and Child Series: Self-Esteem & Decision Making – RWJUH Hamilton
January 7 at 6 PM
This session focuses on helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and practice making positive choices. They’ll learn how to handle peer pressure, think through decisions, and celebrate their unique qualities. By the end, students will understand that believing in themselves helps them make smart and healthy choices.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center – Hamilton, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
What to Expect During Your Maternity Hospital Stay with Dr. Lictenberger (virtual)
January 9 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. This talk is a virtual event. Register online, and a member of our team will send you the link to join us via Zoom.
Cost: Free
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facilities: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Internet Safety Class – RWJUH Hamilton
January 20 at 6:30 PM
Safeguarding your child’s digital life is crucial in today’s connected world. This workshop provides essential strategies for monitoring online activity and fostering open conversations about digital responsibility. Join us to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to help your family navigate the internet safely and confidently. Teens and children in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in a character development activity conducted by GameU.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness. 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Mercerville, NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
National Maternal Health Awareness Day: Holding Ground on Maternal Health – RWJUH Somerset
January 23 at 11 AM
Through this table display, learn the importance of prenatal care for risk reduction, strategies to support a healthy mom and baby, and maternal-child resources available locally. Information on support groups and classes will be provided.
Cost: Free
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Programs for new moms
Breastfeeding Support Groups – Monmouth Medical Center
January 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, and 29 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
New Moms – New Babies Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
January 7, 14, 21, and 28 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
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
January 9, 16, 20, and 30 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)
January 5, 12, 19, and 26 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
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.
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – January 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 for parents to help them prepare for pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and to provide instruction in 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
Preparation for Breastfeeding
January 9 at 2 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 achieve a good latch, establish your milk supply, ensure your baby gets enough milk, and pump and store breast milk.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Events for Kids and Parents
Toddler Snack Time
January 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
Toddler Story Time
January 12 at 11 AM
Story time shouldn’t be left for just bedtime. Join us at the LiveWell Center for a kids’ story time where we read safety books and discuss fire safety. This program immediately follows our Toddler Snack Time Program.
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
January 15 and 29 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit & 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’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
Safe Sitter
January 19 at 10 AM
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The class features fun games, guided discussion, and role-playing exercises. Students will learn safety, childcare, life, and business skills. Pizza will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wycckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
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