Being pregnant and having a baby can be stressful, but add the weight of COVID to it and it can tip right into overwhelming. If you’re pregnant or a new mom, you’re likely wondering about how to access groups and tours of the hospital, what the hospital is doing to keep your delivery safe, how to get breastfeeding help, and what to do if you test COVID positive during your pregnancy or on your delivery day. Fortunately, there is help to navigate a pandemic pregnancy—RWJBarnabas Health will be hosting a FREE webinar National Maternal Health Awareness Day: Positive Pandemic Pregnancies on January 19 for pregnant and new moms. So while you get cozy on your couch, you can log on to learn about being pregnant amid the pandemic, what you can expect when you give birth, virtual resources, and tips on breastfeeding and staying healthy as a new mom. Read on for more about the webinar and how RWJBarnabas is ensuring all moms stay healthy and supported right now.

Featured Photo Credit: Istock/Makidotvn

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What To Expect

Starting live on January 19 at 1 PM via a Zoom link, Serena Collado, director of the Community Health Department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, and Sophia Viamonte, RN-BSN, IBCLC, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, will be on hand to answer all your questions about pregnancy and bringing baby home amid COVID-19. “The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in challenges and uncertainties during both pregnancy and postpartum. The Positive Pandemic Pregnancy Webinar will discuss the importance of prenatal care, how to care for both mother and baby during the COVID-19 pandemic, and keys for breastfeeding success,” said Viamonte. They will also discuss where to get the resources you need, general pregnancy questions, and what to do if you test COVID positive while pregnant or home with a new baby.

Here’s a detailed outline of what they’ll be discussing during the webinar:

What to expect when you deliver including the safety protocols in place (screening at the entrance, cleaning processes, COVID-19 testing for mothers, visitor restrictions).
What precautions should be taken when a COVID-positive mother goes home with her baby.
The obstacles new moms face when breastfeeding and how they can overcome those challenges.
Where to find virtual tours of the maternity units, virtual classes for newborn care and breastfeeding, and online support groups for new moms.
An overview of the maternity unit and services available including 24/7 anesthesiology, neonatology, OB/GYN coverage, private rooms, and more.
Tips on what all mothers can do to help ensure their health and the health of their babies

Ready to log on to this FREE webinar? First, register here to receive a Zoom link, then click on at 1 PM on January 19 to attend. This event will be offered in collaboration with Friends Health Connection and sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. Can’t attend but want more info? Check out the online support Groups for Pregnant and New Moms presented by RWJBarnabas Health. Programs range from a Virtual Mommies Mood Group to Breastfeeding Basics to Childbirth Preparation classes. There are new dates and programs available virtually every month.

For more information about maternity services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, including a virtual tour, click on the website.

This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.

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