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 June. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, or just a group of new moms, you can log on to find support, all while still wearing your PJs. And if you’re feeling up to venturing out, in-person options are slowly coming back, with a few offered below. Got an older sibling? There are ways for them to connect virtually and in-person too. 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/fizkes)
Programs for new moms
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
June 8, 15, 22, 29 at 11 AM
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)
June 3, 10, 17, 24 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
June 6, 13, 20, 27 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 in a friendly virtual environment. Don’t let breastfeeding challenges discourage you during COVID-19. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. For more information and 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, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
June 6, 13, 20, 27 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Cooperman Barnabas
June 14 and 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
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
June 22 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations. The class is held monthly. 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
June 22 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
Beth Babies Breastfeeding Support Class
Tuesdays at 1 PM
All pregnant women and nursing moms are welcome.
To register, email janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Preparation for Breastfeeding
June 7 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
Lactation Support Groups
June 6, 8, 13, 15 at 10:30 AM
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.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms
June 13 at 12 PM
Join a registered dietician at the LiveWell Center to learn how to prepare no-bake granola bars – a simple, nutrient-dense snack for a breastfeeding mom. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Jennifer Klein, MS, RD, Registered Dietician
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 with 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
Pregnancy Support Group
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 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
June 4, 11, 18, 25 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 Education Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
June 6 at 6:30 PM
The program will include a set of 4 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 fill out 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
Prenatal Nutrition 101
June 15 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
Virtual Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
June 16 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
June 29 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 fill out 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
Cooking classes in Hannah’s Kitchen are taught by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Wellness Team dietitian Emily Ho, RDN.
Classes For Kids
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
June 7, 14, 21, 28 at 4:30 PM
Hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, knife skills, and more.
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
June 11 at 9:30 AM
Hands-on cooking for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun and interactive class, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies.
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Emily Ho, RDN at emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
June 11 at 11 AM
A mommy and me style virtual cooking class for ages 2-4 that they can do with a parent, grandparent, or loved one.
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Kids in the Kitchen – RWJUH Hamilton
June 21 at 5 PM
Parent/child “hands-on” cooking class directed by a dietitian. For children ages six and older. Register early, limited class size. “Splash into Smoothie Bowls” – Hello, summer! Meet “nice cream,” a cold, frozen treat perfect for a hot day that can be so good for you…it can even be for breakfast.
Cost: $5 per child, $5 per parent/caregiver (one parent or caregiver must attend). Please register both adult and child.
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Kids Gardening
June 8 at 6 PM
Come and grow with us! Join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on gardening lesson. Learn how to start a simple greenhouse to grow a vegetable garden of your own.
Cost: Free
Virtual or LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Jennifer Klein, MS, RD, Registered Dietician
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Other Programs
Grandparenting Generation Z
Struggling to understand your grandchild’s latest phone app, why they are learning another dance for TikTok, or what they care most about? Join our Program Director to discuss supporting and connecting with your Gen Z grandchildren as we learn what makes the latest generation tick. This event is available as a hybrid program. Registration is required. To attend virtually, email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org and they will send a link.
Cost: Free
Virtual or LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Abby Thompson, Program Director, abigail.thompson@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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