This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health 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 May. 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 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/Prostock-Studio)
Programs for new moms
New Moms – New Babies – RWJUH New Brunswick (in-person)
May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center (virtual)
May 3 and 25 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
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 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
Breastfeeding Support Groups (In-person)
May 4, 8, and 11 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
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 5, 12, 19, and 26 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
Women’s Health Day Brunch – Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
May 6 at 11 AM
Expert Health and Wellness panel discussion moderated by Newark’s First Lady Linda Baraka. Join us for brunch and much more, including flexibility yoga (bring your mats), mind, body, and soul meditation, reiki massage, Wellness on Wheels van, free health screenings (BP and Glucose), vendors for your shopping pleasure, a special gift for attendees, and Door Prizes. Complimentary parking. You must be 21 or older to attend; registration is required.
Cost: Free
Newark Airport Marriott, 1 Hotel Road, Newark, NJ 07114
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 8, 15, 22, and 29 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 Support Group
May 8, 15, and 22 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
Join our Meet and Greet: JCMC Women’s Health Services – Jersey City Medical Center
May 10 at 6 PM
Learn about women’s health services offered by Jersey City Medical Center. Meet providers for OBGYN, maternal-fetal medicine, and midwifery. There will be a Q&A on JCMC’s women’s health services, general women’s health, prenatal and postpartum care, family planning, gynecology, breastfeeding, and breast care. Tours will be available by appointment only. For more information, contact Isabella.DelPlato@RWJBH.org. RSVP is required. Please register by clicking the Register Now button.
Cost: Free
Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Breastfeeding 101 – RWJUH New Brunswick
May 15 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
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Cooperman Barnabas
May 16 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’s First Foods (virtual)
May 16 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
Virtual Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
May 18 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 Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org.
Cost: $40
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Preparation for Breastfeeding (hybrid)
May 23 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
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.
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
May 3, 13, and 31 at 7 PM
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 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
Pregnancy Support Group
May 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 12 PM-1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and, at times, amazingly stressful. 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 Yoga with Ignite One
May 6, 13, and 20 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
May 15 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
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center*
May 31 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
