RWJBarnabas Health sponsors this post to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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 December. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, a prenatal yoga class, 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. Got older kids who need to keep busy or a grandparent who wants to help out? There are classes for them, too, so go ahead and check out everything to help with your babes—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: iStock/AsiaVision)
Programs for new moms
Breastfeeding Support Groups (In-person)
December 4, 7, and 11 from 1 PM – 3 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a 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. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
December 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
New Moms – New Babies – RWJUH New Brunswick (in-person)
December 6 and 13 from 12 PM – 2 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 08901
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick RWJBarnabas Health
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
December 6, 13, 20, and 27 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. 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. 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)
December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 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
Baby Care Basics
December 9 at 10 AM and December 21 at 6 PM
This program is designed to offer new parents information on the basic care of a new baby. Bathing, dressing, feeding, infant growth and development, safety, and other areas of concern to new parents are addressed. Step-by-step instructions for choking and basic infant CPR will be covered as well.
Cost: $50
Baby and Me Yoga Flow (in-person)
December 14 at 9:30 AM
Join Wheee Get Fit and Play for Baby and Me Yoga Flow! This gentle practice will have you and your baby moving through gentle poses and movements to build core strength, stability, and flexibility. Class includes 30-40 minutes of yoga and 15-20 minutes of kid-time activities during which we play songs, dance, and crawl! We welcome ALL fitness levels, ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Please bring a towel or mat for the program. In-person program only, and physical movement waiver required. Attendance is free; registration is required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Wheee Get Fit & Play
December 7 and 21 at 9:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit and Play is a boot camp-style group fitness class for moms and their little ones! Class includes a 30-40-minute workout followed by 15-20 minutes of kid-time activities during which we play songs, dance, and crawl! We welcome ALL fitness levels, ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum fitness instructors help make modifications to meet you where you’re at. Being in a class full of moms creates a great community of new friendships to bloom. Ask your doctor if you are cleared to exercise before taking the course. Please bring a towel or mat for the program. In-person program only, and physical movement waiver required.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Breastfeeding Today
December 7 from 6:30-8:30 PM and December 16 from 10 AM-12 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, working mothers’ concerns, and the family’s role. A Certified Lactation Consultant teaches this class. We will mail you a book with a unique code to access videos, including milk production, hunger cues, latch, storing breast milk, etc.
Cost: $50
Birthing Basics
December 19 from 6 PM – 9 PM
This program for expectant parents provides in-depth information on all stages of childbirth. Parents will learn about preparing for labor, signs of labor, comfort measures, and what to expect immediately after the birth of their child. The knowledge gained during this course will help promote a positive birth experience.
Cost: $75
RWJ Somerset – 1 South Conference Room, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Maternity Orientation & Tour – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
December 17
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. To provide you with a personalized experience, class size is limited. Online reservations are required.
Cost: Free
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, NJ 07039
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
December 6, 13, and 20 from 1 PM-2 PM and December 14 and 28 from 5 PM-6 PM
Is there 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
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.
Virtual Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Support Group
December 4, 11, 18, and 25 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 (In-person)
December 4, 7, and 11 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
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One (virtual)
December 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 12 PM-1 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
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
December 2 from 9:30 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 held 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
Childbirth Education
December 3 and 17 at 10 AM
This program will focus on what to expect during labor and birth, anesthesia choices, relaxation, breathing techniques, and coping strategies. It will also address the immediate postpartum period.
Cost: $100
Monmouth Medical Center, 300 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07440
New Patient Virtual Orientation for Expecting Moms (virtual)
December 18 from 4 PM – 5 PM
Topics of the virtual orientation include—welcome and introductions, review of practice, the role of physicians, midwives, and residents, what midwives are and their role in prenatal care and 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
Isabella.DelPlato@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center (virtual)
December 20 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
Classes for Kids
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 5, 12, and 19 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
Kids in the Kitchen – RWJUH Hamilton
December 7 at 5 PM-6 PM
Healthy eating starts early—empower kids with culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to become their healthiest selves. For children 5 years and older. An adult must accompany all children. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN. Contact Info: Call 609.584.5900 for more information.
Cost: $5.00
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Mercerville, NJ 08619
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 9 at 9:30 AM
Join us in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking class for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun and interactive course, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies.
Cost: Free
Online OR Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave. Newark, NJ 07112
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
December 9 at 11 AM
Join in-person or virtually for this mommy & me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one. 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
Toddler Snack Time
December 11 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
Healthy Kids Cooking Class (in-person)
December 19 at 5:30 PM
Grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn to a hands-on cooking class at the LiveWell Center. Young chefs aged 4 and up are welcome to attend with an adult!
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Classes for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar at Cooperman Barnabas
December 12 from 4 PM – 6 PM
A virtual seminar that 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. A fee applies, and advanced registration is requested by calling Women’s Health Education at 973-322-5360.
Cost: Varied
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
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 each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
