If you’re pregnant or just gave birth, chances are you’re missing those essential in-person support opportunities like prepping for your baby with pre-birth classes or bonding with other new moms. But here’s some good news—RWJBarnabas Health is offering virtual ways for new moms and moms-to-be to connect and be their healthiest this July. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, or just a group of new moms, you can log on to find support while still wearing your PJs. And if you’re feeling up to venturing out, in-person options are back, with a few offered below. So grab a cup of tea and your favorite snack, and cozy up on the couch with one of these mom groups and classes below—no commute required. (featured photo credit: Istock//Fly View Productions)
Programs for new moms
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
July 6, 13, 20, 27 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 childbirth complications, 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, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
July 8, 15, 22, 29 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 during the pandemic.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Baby Care Basics
July 9 at 10 AM and July 21 at 6:30 PM
This program offers new parents information on the basic care of a newborn, from bathing, dressing, feeding, growth, development, safety, and more. They will cover step-by-step instructions for choking and basic infant CPR as well. You will receive a booklet with an access code in the mail to access this virtual class. Registration is required.
Cost: $50
Virtual
Call (732) 923-5024 to register
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
July 11, 18, 25 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 guide and answer questions about latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning in a friendly virtual environment. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. Please register online for more information and the link to participate in the group.
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 New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
July 11, 18, 25 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers free 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 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.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Lactation Support Groups (In-Person)
Various dates at 10: 30 AM or 1:30 PM
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. Please call (732) 923-3873 to register.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Cooperman Barnabas
July 12 from 7 PM-9 PM
Women’s Health/Parent Education Department at Saint Barnabas offers a virtual prenatal workshop to help mothers achieve the confidence and skills necessary for a satisfying nursing experience once their baby is born. Partners should participate along with mom.
Cost: $40
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 Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Baby’s First Foods (In-Person)
July 13 from 10 AM-11 AM
In collaboration with the PMAD program, join a registered dietician in the WEforum Demonstration Kitchen to learn tips for introducing your baby to their first foods. Whether you’re starting with purees or safe finger foods, our RD will provide tips for eating beginners. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Preparation for Breastfeeding (In-Person)
July 14 at 3 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a FREE, in-person at the LiveWell Center for a breastfeeding preparation class that provides mothers-to-be, and their support person, the opportunity to learn more about breastfeeding basics. We will discuss 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
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration is required, and seats are limited. To register, call (862) 781-3873
Abby Thompson, Program Director abigail.thompson@rwjbh.org Preferred
Breastfeeding Today
July 16 at 10 AM and July 28 at 6:30 PM
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to babies and their mothers. Taught by a Certified Lactation Consultant, this class introduces prospective mothers and fathers to breastfeeding by providing information on the process and breastfeeding techniques. You will receive a booklet with an access code in the mail to access the virtual class.
Cost: $50
Virtual
Call (732) 923-5024 to register
Virtual Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
July 18 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The 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. You must fill out the registration and send payment at least two weeks before the class, and once that’s received, they will email a link to you.
Cost: $35
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Baby’s First Foods (Virtual)
July 19 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual class on what to feed a baby in the first year, and more.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (973) 726-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Baby Led Weaning (In-Person)
July 27 at 10 AM
You’ve seen the videos and posts about baby-led weaning on Instagram and TikTok, but what exactly is it? In collaboration with the PMAD program, join our registered dietician in-person or virtually at the WEforum Demonstration Kitchen to learn more about this process and how your newest eater can take charge of this milestone. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
For more information or to register, call (732) 923-6090 or email Debra.McGivney@rwjbh.org
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 Nutrition 101
July 5 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be. Please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (973) 926-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Childbirth Education Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
July 6 at 6:30 PM
The program will include four classes with a combination of lecture and movie presentations. Topics will include: Third Trimester Changes, Signs and Symptoms of Labor, Labor & Delivery “What to Expect,” “Pain Management,” and a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum tour. You MUST complete the registration and send payment at least two weeks before the class date. They will send the link before the start of the course.
Cost: $125.00 per couple
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration: (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
July 6, 13, 20, and 27 or July 7, 14, 21, and 28 Multi-Part Courses and July 16 and 24 One-Day Courses are available
Women’s Health/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, epidural, 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
Pregnancy Support Group
July 7, 14, 21 from 12 PM-1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and at times, amazingly stressful. Pregnancy can leave you with a lot of questions. This is especially true with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by maternal health experts, our online community is a supportive and inclusive space to meet other pregnant women, ask questions and form meaningful connections.
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
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 12 PM
Gentle Yoga for expecting moms. Pre-registration is required.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN, (973) 926-7371 or email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Childbirth Preparation Class
July 10 and July 24 at 10 AM
This program focuses on what to expect during labor and birth, anesthesia choices, relaxation, breathing techniques, and coping strategies. It will also address the immediate postpartum period. You will receive a booklet with an access code in the mail to access this virtual class. Registration is required.
Cost: $100
Virtual
Call (732) 923-5024 to register
Virtual Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
June 18 from 7 PM-9 PM
Women’s Health/ Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas offers this virtual two-hour class for parents about having a cesarean birth and how to care for their newborn.
Cost: $40
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Teresa Lastella, (973) 322-5360 or Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
July 25 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations with 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
New Patient Virtual Orientation for Expecting Moms
Every third Monday of the month at 4 PM
Topics of the virtual orientation include—welcome and introductions, review of practice, the role of physicians, midwives, and residents, what are midwives and their role in prenatal care and in the labor and delivery unit, ultrasound timeline, available classes offered by the hospital, hospital FAQ’s, what to do in an emergency, meet and greet opportunities, and Q & A.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center RWJBarnabas Health
sheridan.blackwell@rwjbh.org
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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