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 March. Whether you are looking for childbirth prep, breastfeeding support, or just a group of new moms, you can log on to your computer or meet up with experts and moms who will share tips, ideas, and support. And when you check them out, you’ll make those crucial connections to help before and after with your babe—read on for details on where and how to register. (featured photo credit: istock/filadendron)
Programs for new moms
New Moms – New Babies – RWJUH New Brunswick (in-person)
March 8, 15, 22, and 29 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
March 8, 15, 22, and 29 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
Wheee Get Fit & Play (in-person)
March 2, 16, and 30 from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Wheee Get Fit and Play is a boot camp-style group fitness class for moms and their little ones. The course includes a 30-40 minutes workout followed by 15-20 minutes of 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.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
March 6, 13, and 20 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 guide and answer questions about latch issues, breast/nipple pain, milk supply concerns, pumping, supplementation, returning to work, and weaning in a friendly virtual environment. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. Please register online for more information and the group participation link.
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 New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers free 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Cooperman Barnabas
March 7 from 7 PM-9 PM
The 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.
Cost: $40
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 Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Baby and Me Yoga Flow (in-person)
March 9 and 23 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
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 your towel or mat for the program. The in-person program only, and a physical movement waiver is required.
Cost: Free; registration required
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Baby’s First Bites (hybrid)
March 6 at 12 PM
Join our registered dietitian in the demonstration kitchen to learn tips for introducing your baby to their first foods. Whether you’re starting with purees or safe finger foods, our RD will provide tips for eating beginners.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Baby’s First Foods (virtual)
March 14 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, at molly.fallon@rwjbh.org or (973) 726-7371
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Beth Babies Breastfeeding Support Class
Tuesdays from 1 PM -2 PM
All pregnant women and nursing moms are welcome! To register, email janine.marley@rwjbh.org.
Childbirth Education (in person)
March 19 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 Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Preparation for Breastfeeding (hybrid)
March 14 from 3 PM-4 PM
Join our Certified Lactation Consultant for a free, in-person class at the LiveWell Center for a breastfeeding preparation class that allows mothers-to-be and their support person to learn more about breastfeeding basics. We will discuss how to: get a good latch, establish your milk supply, identify that your baby is getting enough, and pump and store breastmilk.
Cost: Free
Virtual or LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Registration is required, and seats are limited. To register, call (862) 781-3873
Abby Thompson, Program Director abigail.thompson@rwjbh.org Preferred
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center (virtual)
March 14 at 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations. 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 two weeks before the class, and once that’s received, they will email a link to you.
Cost: $35
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Breastfeeding Support Groups (In-person)
March 2, 6, and 9 at 1 PM
This free, in-person Breastfeeding Support Group is offered weekly and facilitated by a Certified Lactation Consultant at the LiveWell Center and helps promote breastfeeding through peer support. Call for first-time registration: 862.781.3873.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Breastfeeding 101 – RWJUH New Brunswick
March 20 at 6 PM
Get expert advice from our certified lactation consultant/registered nurse on beginning your breastfeeding journey with your newborn. Find out how to tell if things are going well and when to get help. This event is offered in person once a month—for details and to register, email: Kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org.
Cost: Free
Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Wellness Center, 100 Kirkpatrick Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
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.
Maternity Tours – Jersey City Medical Center
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month
Is a baby on the way, or are you planning your birthing journey? Take a tour of our Labor & Delivery and our Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, and get your questions answered by our Mother-Baby team. For adults only, no children will be allowed. RSVP is required as space is limited.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center – 355 Grand Street, Lord Abbett Maternity Wing, Jersey City, NJ (starts promptly at the lobby at 5:00 pm)
Childbirth Education Classes at Jersey City Medical Center (in-person)
March 6 from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
The program will include four classes with lectures and movie presentations. Topics include Third Trimester Changes, Signs, Symptoms of Labor, Labor & Delivery, “What to Expect,” “Pain Management,” and a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum tour. You must complete the registration and send payment at least two weeks before the class date. They will send the link before the start of the course.
Cost: $125.00 per couple
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration: (201) 915-2365 or Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
March 1, 5, 18, 22, 27 and 29
Women’s Health/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 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
Pregnancy Support Group
March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 12 PM-1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and, at times, amazingly stressful. 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.
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
Prenatal Nutrition 101
March 7 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual or in-person class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be. Please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (973) 926-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
March 4, 11, 18, and 25 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
New Patient Virtual Orientation for Expecting Moms
March 20 at 4 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
sheridan.blackwell@rwjbh.org
Virtual Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
March 23 at 7 PM
Women’s Health/Parent Education at Cooperman Barnabas offers this virtual two-hour class for parents about having a cesarean birth and how to care for their newborn. 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.
Cost: $40
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
March 27 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
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
