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 October. 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/ damircudic)
Join our Meet and Greet: JCMC Women’s Health Services – Jersey City Medical Center
October 25 at 5 PM
Learn about women’s health services offered by Jersey City Medical Center. Meet our providers for OBGYN, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Midwifery. There will be a Q&A on the topics of JCMC’s Women’s Health Services, General Women’s Health, Prenatal & Postpartum Care, Family Planning, Gynecology, Breastfeeding and Breast Care, and Tours available. For more information, contact Isabella.DelPlato@RWJBH.org. RSVP is required.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 255 Grand Street, Fourth Floor, 4 East Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Programs for new moms
Annual Baby Fair – Jersey City Medical Center
October 21 at 11 AM
A free event featuring resources, products, and vendors for all things baby. Workshops, demonstrations, educational resources and more! For more information, send an email to Isabella.DelPlato@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center RWJBarnabas Health
Breastfeeding Support Groups (In-person)
October 2, 5, and 9 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)
October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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)
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 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)
October 6, 13, 20, and 27 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
October 5 at 6 PM and October 21 at 10 AM
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)
October 12 and 26 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 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. Please bring your own 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
October 5 and 19 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 your own 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
October 14 at 10 AM and October 26 at 6:30 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, 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
October 24 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
Prenatal Education Class – Jersey City Medical Center
October 2 and 11 at 3 PM
Topics include breastfeeding: early initiation and importance of exclusively breastfeeding, feeding on demand or baby-led feeding, feeding frequently for optimal milk production, effective positioning and attachment, the importance of breastfeeding after 6 months, nonpharmacological pain relief methods for labor, rooming in on a 24-hour basis and importance of early skin-to-skin contact. This one-hour class for prenatal women is recommended before entering the third trimester of pregnancy. There will be an option for virtual or in-person sessions. (*In-person session will include a maternity tour.) Note: This session is for existing prenatal patients at Women’s Health at Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Maternity Tour – Jersey City Medical Center
November 8 at 12 PM
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
October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 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)
October 2, 5, and 9 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)
October 7, 14, 21, and 28 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
Multi-Part Course: October 2, 9, 16, and 23; October 5, 12, 19, and 25; October 30, November 6, 13, and 20 at 7 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 Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
October 2 from 6: 30 PM – 8:30 PM
This program consists of 4 classes, 2-hours at a time, featuring a combination of lectures and movie presentations to enhance the learning experience. All classes are virtual. Fee: $125 (per couple). Checks made payable to Jersey City Medical Center. Registration Forms MUST be filled out two weeks before the class date. All classes will be held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class.
Cost: $125
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, 4E Conference Room, Jersey City, NJ 07302
New Patient Virtual Orientation for Expecting Moms (virtual)
October 16 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)
October 30 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
Kids Snack Time (In-Person)
November 9 from 5 PM – 6 PM
Time for a snack—grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn for a hands-on cooking class in our demonstration kitchen. 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
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Toddler Snack Time
October 16 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
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
October 14 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
October 14 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
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
Classes for Grandparents
Virtual Grandparenting Seminar at Cooperman Barnabas
October 17 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
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