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 October. 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. 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/Prostock-Studio
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Programs for new moms
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Saint Barnabas)
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 11 AM
Saint 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. Also, check the online calendar for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Wednesday Pregnancy Support Group.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
October 4, 11, 18, 25
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.
Virtual
Cost: Free
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, Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Saint Barnabas)
October 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10 AM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. 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 attend occasionally or each week. A Breastfeeding Support Group follows at 11:30 AM. Please register online in the event of a cancellation (you only need to register once).
Virtual, Saint Barnabas Wellness Institute at Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC MetroWest – 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Breastfeeding Support Group (Monmouth Medical Center)
Mondays 10 AM-12 PM, Wednesdays 2 PM-4 PM
Promoting breastfeeding through mother-to-mother support. Topics include (but are not limited to): Newborn and growing infants, Premature infants (in hospital and at home), pumping and exclusive pumping, and Common challenges—all topics and issues related to breastfeeding in a warm and welcoming environment. The group is led by a registered nurse who is a board-certified lactation consultant with NICU experience.
Suite 17 Maysie Stroock Pavilion- 300 2nd Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
Cost: Free
(848) 303-3901
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Saint Barnabas
October 5 and 19 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.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039
Cost: $30
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.
Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
October 6, 13, 20, 27
Are you a pregnant or new mom? Are you feeling 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.
Virtual
Cost: Free
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, Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Baby Care Basics (Monmouth Medical Center)
October 7 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM and October 23 from 10 AM-12 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 address. Instructors will cover step-by-step instructions for basic infant CPR and issues with choking as well. You’ll receive an access code for videos on all of the topics covered in this class for the 2-hour zoom meeting with the instructor for Q&A (view of all videos will be required before the session).
Virtual
Cost: Free
(732) 923-5024
Breastfeeding Today (Monmouth Medical Center)
October 16 from 10 AM-12 PM, October 28 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. They will send you the booklet with the code to access videos, including milk production, hunger cues, latch, storing breast milk, and more. A 2-hour Zoom meeting with the Lactation Consultant for Q&A will take place (view of all videos will be required before the session).
Virtual
Cost: $50
(732) 923-5024
Baby’s First Foods
October 20 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual class on what to feed a baby in the first year, and more.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (973) 726-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
October 26 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 2 weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class.
Virtual
Cost: $35
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Saturday Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 12 PM
Gentle Yoga for expecting moms. Pre-registration is required.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN, (972) 926-7371 or email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Childbirth Education Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
October 4 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include a set of 4 classes, 2 hrs. /class-combination lecture and movie presentations. Topics will include: Third Trimester Changes, Signs and Symptoms of Labor, Labor & Delivery “What to Expect,” “Pain Management,” and A tour of Labor & Delivery/Postpartum. You MUST fill out the registration and send payment at least 2 weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of the course.
Virtual
Cost: $125.00
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration: (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Saint Barnabas
Multi-Part Course -October 4, 11, 18, 25 from 7 PM-9 PM or October 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7 PM-9 PM
One-Day Course – October 16 and 24 from 9 AM-5 PM with a break from 12 PM-1 PM
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.
Virtual
Cost: $75
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
Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Pregnancy Support Circle (Saint Barnabas)
October 6, 13, 20, 27 at 6 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 incredibly scary time. Please check the online calendar as well for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Friday Mommies Moods Group.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Pregnancy Support Group
October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12 PM-1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and at times, amazingly stressful. We get it. 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.
Virtual
Cost: Free
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, Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Childbirth Preparation Class (Monmouth Medical Center)
October 10 and October 24
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. A booklet with an access code will be mailed to you. With this code, you will be able to access videos on all the above topics. A 3-hour zoom meeting will take place for the Q&A session and practice breathing techniques with the instructor.
Virtual
Cost: $100
(732) 923-5024
Prenatal Nutrition 101
October 13 from 1 PM-2 PM
Virtual class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be. Please register online.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (972)726-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
October 27 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 Physical Appearance, Diapering, Bathing, Cord care, and Special Procedures. Registration MUST be filled and payment received at least 2 weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class.
Virtual
Cost: $35
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Virtual Eisenberg Family Center Tours (Monmouth Medical Center)
To access the tour, scroll down to Specialty services and click on Maternity Services. Click on the video The Eisenberg Family Center
Healthy Lifestyles – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
October 7, 14, 21, 28 at 1 PM
Participate in weekly health, nutrition, and fitness discussions. Register and receive log-in details and confirmation.
Virtual
Cost: Free
Karen Basedow, MS, RDN, CDE (973) 926-3312 or Email: Karen.Basedow@rwjbh.org
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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