August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and whether you are pregnant, just gave birth, currently nursing, or looking for guidance—getting support to help you through your breastfeeding journey can make all the difference. But since in-person meet-ups are on hold, RWJBarnabas Health is offering virtual ways for seasoned moms, new moms, and moms-to-be to connect and be their healthiest this August. Scroll down to find a class to join up with other breastfeeding moms from the comfort of your own sofa (in your PJs, too) and learn tips, techniques, and skilled guidance from experts, as well as support. And if you are looking for more educational and supportive classes and groups, don’t miss Virtual Events In August For Moms And Moms-To-Be From RWJBarnabas Health.
Featured Photo Credit: Istock/Tetiana Mandziuk
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Breastfeeding Support
Beth Babies: Breastfeeding Class
August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Worried you will not have enough milk? Concerned that breastfeeding is going to be painful? Learn techniques to latch your baby well, receive skilled guidance from Lactation Counselors and meet other pregnant and nursing mothers. Pregnant women, partners, and nursing babies are welcome too.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registrant info goes to: janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Breastfeeding Basics & Benefits
August 4 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Discover breastfeeding tips, its health benefits, common positions such as the cradle or clutch, strategies to overcome problems such as mastitis or cracked nipples, techniques to encourage latching, the ideal feeding pattern, the recommended length of feeding time on each side, pumping tips and supplementation recommendations, including when it’s appropriate.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hosptial Somerset
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
August 9, 16, and 23 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Do you have questions about breastfeeding? We are pleased to offer our communities a safe place for new and expecting moms to connect online. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants will provide guidance and answer questions about latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning. Don’t let breastfeeding challenges discourage you during COVID-19. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. For more information and to be sent the link to participate in the group, please register online.
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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
August 31 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations. Topics include how breastfeeding works, latching on and positioning, when to feed your baby, how much is enough, and breast care. Registration must be filled and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $35
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For registration and more information, call: (201) 915-2365 or e-mailing Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
More Support For Moms
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 11 AM – 12 PM
Are you a pregnant or 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 complications of childbirth, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, this 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. We understand that during this time of COVID-19, increased isolation and increased concerns about crowds/gatherings may be preventing you from reaching out for help. Join our virtual community, led by a Perinatal Mood Disorder certified 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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Pregnancy Support Circle (Saint Barnabas)
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. The Pregnancy Support Circle provides a space for pregnant women to connect and support each other during this time. Please check the online calendar for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Friday Mommies Moods Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Saint Barnabas)
August 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. 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. Please check the online calendar for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Wednesday Pregnancy Support Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Saint Barnabas)
August 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 10 AM
New Moms Circle offers an opportunity for moms to discuss all facets of becoming a mother during this precarious time. Conversations generally focus on child-care 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. New moms along with their babies are welcome to participate occasionally or each week. A Breastfeeding Support Group follows at 11:30 am.
Cost: Free— Please register online in the event of a cancellation (you only need to register once).
Sponsored by Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Baby’s First Foods
August 25 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Join this virtual class on what to feed a baby in the first year and more. For class links and more information, contact: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Registrant Info: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN molly.fallon@rwjbh.org or (973) 726-7371
Wise Women
August 26 from 1:30 PM – 3 PM
As we age, the twists and turns of life challenge us to remain positive, stay engaged, find new meaning and grow in wisdom. Discussion group format: August 26- Living a Well Balanced Life
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
August 30 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations covering the baby’s physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. Registration must be filled and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $35
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For any questions, please contact Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration: (201) 915-2365 Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org or Attention – Eufemia Rios/3 East, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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