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 (and you don’t have to leave your house)—RWJBarnabas Health is offering virtual ways for moms 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 from your couch to find support for every new mom and mom-to-be. Check out the Wellness Programs available this month too.
Featured Photo Credit: Istock/edit:fizkes
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
June 19 and 26 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Enjoy a Gentle Yoga class just for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
For more information contact: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN, molly.fallon@rwjbh.org, 973-926-7371
Childbirth Preparation Class at Monmouth Medical Center
June 27 from 10 AM – 1 PM
This program will focus on what to expect during labor and delivery, anesthesia choices; relaxation and breathing techniques; and the immediate postpartum period. In addition, a 3-hour zoom meeting will take place for the Q&A session and practice breathing techniques with the instructor.
Cost: $100
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center
For registration and more information call: 732.923.5024 or e-mail Ana.Pinto@rwjbh.org
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Saint Barnabas Multi-Part Course
Multiple Course Dates and One Day Course options available from June-August
The Women’s Health/Parent Education at Saint 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: $75
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint 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
June 17 and 24 from 12 PM-1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and at times, amazingly stressful, and can have you asking many questions. This is especially true with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by maternal health experts, the 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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
New Moms
Beth Babies: Breastfeeding Class
June 15, 22, 29, and July 6 from 1 PM-2 PM
Worried that 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 welcome!
Cost: Free
Virtual, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Registrant info goes to: janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Baby’s First Foods
June 16 from 1 PM-2 PM
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
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Saint Barnabas)
June 21 and 28 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 a great opportunity for moms to connect and bond around a shared experience. New moms along with their babies are welcome to participate in 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 Wellness Institute at Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC MetroWest
Breastfeeding Class- Monmouth Medical Center
June 19 from 10 AM – 12 PM, and June 24 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits to babies and their mothers. This class introduces prospective mothers and fathers to breastfeeding by providing information through an informal discussion on the process and techniques of breastfeeding. Topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, how to prepare and get started concerns of working mothers, and the role of the family. A Certified Lactation Consultant teaches this class. In addition, a 2-hour zoom meeting with the Lactation Consultant for Q&A will take place.
Cost: $50
Virtual
For registration and more information call: 732.923.5024 or e-mailing Ana.Pinto@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
June 30, more dates through December
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations. The class is held monthly. Topics include 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
June 21 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 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
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
June 16 and 23 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)
June 16 and 23 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)
June 18 and 25 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
Additional Wellness Programs
Office Fitness and Relaxation Techniques
June 16 at 12 PM
Maximize your 9-5 workday! Learn how to alleviate stress, energize your afternoon and even stay in shape with tips from Newark Beth Israel Physical Therapy, all within the 9-5 PM workday.
Women’s Health Panel Discussion: Get Your Questions Answered
June 23 at 12 PM
Send in your health questions to the panel of Oncology, Internal Medicine, Obesity & Weight Loss, and Lung/COVID-19 specialists at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and then join the live chat.
One-on-One with Janice Johnson Dias, PhD
June 30 at 12 PM
Renowned sociologist, educator, public scholar, and author of “Parent Like it Matters: How to Raise, Joyful, Change-Making Girls,” Dr. Janice Johnson Dias will discuss how healthcare disparities impact Black and brown women. The first 5 registrants will receive a copy of her book.
Paint and Sip from Home with Simone Anthony-Brown
June 30 at 6 PM
Enjoy a relaxing evening of guided waiting instruction with Simone, instructor/owner of Express Yourself Studios. The first 25 registrants will receive a paint-and-sip kit. Please reserve your spot and provide your mailing address by June 15th.
Wise Women
June 24 and July 22 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: June 24- Loneliness and July 22- Happiness in Hard Times Cost: Free Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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