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 August. 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/Nattakorn Maneerat)
Sprinkles of Health & Happiness: Your Invitation to Our Community Baby Shower – RWJUH Somerset August 18 at 1 PM
Join us for a special afternoon for expecting mothers and/or women preparing for pregnancy, where you
will be showered with baby products (i.e., clothes, diapers, lactation supplies, etc.), free screenings (i.e.
blood pressures and A1C, etc.), car seat checks, raffles, and education materials and giveaways which
include lactation, infant safety, prenatal care, post-birth warning signs, safe sleep, and maternal child
health classes. Learn about nutrition for mother and baby and meet our physicians, who will provide tips for a healthy pregnancy. Children will enjoy face painting and a teddy bear clinic.
Cost: Free
RWJ Somerset – Fuld Auditorium, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Programs for new moms
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
August 5, 12, 19, and 26 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
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
August 7, 14, 21, and 28 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)
August 2, 9, 16, and 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 during the pandemic.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
New Moms – New Babies: A Support Group For New Mothers – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
August 7, 14, 21, and 28 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
Breastfeeding Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
August 29 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.
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One – Newark Best Israel Medical Center
August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
August 4
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
August 5, 12, 19, and 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. Please register online for more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Breastfeeding Support Groups
August 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, and 26 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
Childbirth Education Classes- Jersey City Medical Center
August 7 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
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
August 7 and 21 from 3 PM-4 PM and August 8 and 22 from 5 PM-6 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
Prenatal Education Class – Jersey City Medical Center
August 8 from 3 PM-4 PM
This one-hour class for prenatal women must be completed before entering the third
trimester of pregnancy. There will be an option for virtual or in-person sessions. (*In-person session
will include a maternity tour.) Note: 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 (FREE & in-person or virtual)
August 13 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
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
Multi-Part Course – August 13, 20, 27 from 7 PM-9 PM; One-Day Course – August 17 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
Infant Care Class – Jersey City Medical Center (virtual)
August 28 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
Managing Your Child’s Behavior – 2024 Virtual Workshops for Parents – Children’s Specialized Hospital
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
Virtual Workshops – with Psychologist Shoshana Isenberg
Wednesdays from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual Workshops – with Psychologist Charles Borgen
Mondays from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: $99 Sponsoring Facilities: Children’s Specialized Hospital and RWJBarnabas Health
Understanding Food Allergies in Infants and Kids (hybrid)
August 2 from 10 AM – 11 AM
Food allergies can be stressful, especially when introducing top allergens to infants for the first time. Join The LiveWell Center in collaboration with PMAD as we welcome Katherine Szema, MD, AE-C with ENT and Allergy Associates, to discuss food allergies. Learn tips for introducing allergens to your little ones, and learn the signs, symptoms, and what to do in case of an allergic reaction. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org if you wish to attend virtually.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
August 6 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
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Safe Sitter®
August 14 from 2 PM – 6 PM
Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students entering grades 6th through 8th to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The class has fun games, guided discussions, and role-playing exercises. Students will learn safety, childcare, and life and business skills. Attendance is capped at 16 registrants. Lunch will be provided to attendees.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Kids Story Time: Playground Safety
August 19 at 3 PM – 3:30 PM
Storytime shouldn’t be reserved for bedtime! Join us at the LiveWell Center for a kid’s story time, during which we will read safety books and discuss playground injury prevention.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Toddler Snack Time
August 19 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 Cooking Class (in-person)
August 22 at 4 PM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll have fun making healthy, seasonal
recipes. Open to kids aged 4-10 years old. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any allergies before attending.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Mercerville, NJ 08619
Events for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
August 1 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.
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
