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 March. 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. And for new grandparents and bigger kids, there are ways for them to connect virtually, too. 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/:leszekglasner
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Programs for new moms
Healthy Cooking on a Budget
March 2 at 1 PM
Learn to make a healthy meal for a family of four with a budget of $10.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Pilates for New Moms
March 2 at 12 PM
Pregnancy, with all its joys, can also impact our bodies. Join a special Pilates class for new moms geared at restoring abdominal strength. Ask your doctor if you’re cleared for exercise before taking the class. A movement waiver must be completed in conjunction with your registration form on the event page, and email it to Abigail.Thompson@rwjbh.org with any questions. You will receive the link to join the session after receiving your movement waiver. Please email Abigail.Thompson@rwjbh.org with any questions.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 AM
Are you a pregnant or 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. 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.
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)
March 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11 AM
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 7, 14, 21 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 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 the link to participate in the group, please register online.
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 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10 AM
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. New Moms Circle provides 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.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Breastfeeding Basics at Cooperman Barnabas
March 22 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.
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
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
March 30 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 two weeks before the class, and once that’s received, a link will be emailed 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
Baby’s First Foods
March 30 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual class on what to feed a baby in the first year, and more.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN (973) 726-7371 or Email: molly.fallon@rwjbh.org
Mommy-and-Me Yoga
March 23 at 12 PM
Struggling to find time to get moving with your little one around? Join us for Mommy-and-Me Yoga with your baby in tow. This class is a great way to ease back into exercise in a safe, fun, and healthy practice that will benefit you and your baby. Ask your doctor if you are cleared to exercise before taking the class. You must complete a movement waiver in conjunction with your registration. You can download the registration form on the event page and email it to Abigail.Thompson@rwjbh.org. You will receive the link to join the session after receiving your movement waiver.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Beth Babies Breastfeeding Support Class
Tuesdays at 1 PM
All pregnant women and nursing moms are welcome.
To register, email janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Cooperman Barnabas
March 2, 7, 19, 20, Multi-Part Courses and One-Day Courses are available
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, epidural, review of the Maternity Center, and newborn care.
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
Breastfeeding Today
March 3 at 6:30 PM and March 19 at 10 AM
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, how to prepare and get started, what concerns there are for working mothers, and the role of the family. A Certified Lactation Consultant will teach this class. We will send you the booklet with the code to access videos which include: milk production, hunger cues, latch, storing breast milk, and more, which must be viewed before the ZOOM meeting.
Cost: $50
Virtual
(732) 923-5024
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Pregnancy Support Group
March 3, 10, 17, 24 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 Yoga with Ignite One
March 5, 12, 19, 26 at 12 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
Childbirth Education Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
March 7 at 6:30 PM
The program will include a set of 4 classes with a combination of 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 two weeks before the class date. The link will be sent 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
Baby Care Basics
March 12 at 10 AM and March 24 at 6:30 PM
This program is for new parents offering information on infant care. They will cover bathing, dressing, feeding, infant growth and development, safety, and other areas of concern to new parents, as well as step-by-step instructions for choking and basic infant CPR. A book with an access code will be mailed to you. With this code, you will be able to access videos on all of the topics covered in class. A ZOOM meeting with the instructor for Q & A will be available, but all videos must be viewed before the meeting.
Cost: $50
Virtual
(732) 923-5024
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Childbirth Preparation Class at Monmouth Medical Center
March 13 and 27 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. A booklet with an access code will be mailed to you for access to videos on all of the above topics. Join the ZOOM meeting for Q & A and to practice breathing techniques with the instructor.
Cost: $100
Virtual
(732) 923-5024
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Prenatal Nutrition 101
March 16 from 1 PM-2 PM
A virtual class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be. Please register online.
Cost: Free
Virtual
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
Cesarean Delivery Preparation (Cooperman Barnabas)
March 24 from 7 PM-9 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.
Cost: $40
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Teresa Lastella, (973) 322-5360 or Teresa.Lastella@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
March 28 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 fill registration and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. The link will be sent 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
Women’s Health: Perinatal Nutrition
March 30 at 12 PM
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join Jennifer Klein, MS, RD, for a discussion on nutrition for women’s health. Learn about the unique nutrition needs during the perinatal period. Jennifer will provide meal planning tips and simple recipes to help make nutrition easy during this exciting, and sometimes stressful time.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
New Patient Virtual Orientation for Expecting Moms
Every third Monday of the month at 4 PM
Topics of the virtual orientation include—welcome and introductions, review of practice, the role of physicians, midwives, and residents, what are midwives and their role in prenatal care and on 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
Cooking classes in Hannah’s Kitchen are taught by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Wellness Team dietitian Emily Ho, RDN.
Classes For Kids
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 4:30 PM
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.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 12 at 9:30 AM
Hands-on cooking for ages 4-7 with a parent/guardian/loved one present. In this fun and interactive class, even the pickiest eaters will learn to love their veggies.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Emily Ho, RDN at emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
March 12 at 11 AM
A mommy and me style virtual cooking class for ages 2-4 that they can do with a parent, grandparent, or loved one.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Kids Cook Along: Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
March 24 at 4 PM
Spring is in the air. Join our dietitian, Jennifer Klein, MS, RD, for a kid-friendly cooking class. Jennifer will teach young chefs how to prepare rainbow fruit kabobs with a maple cinnamon dipping sauce. Ingredient and equipment lists will be emailed to participants one week before the event, so kids can cook along. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Zumba for Kids
March 29 at 4 PM
Looking for a movement class for kids who need to shake their energy out after school? Join us for Zumba for kids. This upbeat, high-energy class will get your family moving with a combination of dance and fitness moves. Open to children of all ages and a movement waiver must be completed in conjunction with your registration.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Family Cook Along—Flatbread Pizza Party
March 30 at 6:30 PM
Gather the family for a healthy cook along with dietician Jennifer Klein, MS, RD, who will lead families through a simple cooking class featuring flatbread pizzas and veggie cups. Ingredient and equipment lists will be emailed to participants one week before the event so families can cook along. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Additional Classes For Grandparents and Kids
Keeping Your Grandkids Safe and Happy While in your Care
March 16 at 12 PM
This class will cover current recommendations for newborn, infant, and toddler safety in the home, outdoors, and road safety. Expectant parents, be sure to register the grandparents-to-be for this important discussion. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Grandparenting Generation Z
March 22 at 2 PM
Struggling to understand the latest phone app your grandchild is using, why they are learning another dance for TikTok? Join Abby Thompson, our Program Director, and other grandparents to discuss supporting and connecting with your Gen Z grandchildren as we learn what makes the latest generation tick.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Abby Thompson, abigail.thompson@rwjbh.org
Teen Talks: Healthy Coping Skills & Natural Highs
March 23 at 4 PM
In recognition of National Alcohol and Drug Fact Week, join us for this talk for teens about healthy behaviors and substance use prevention. Taught by our Wellness Center Program Director, Abby Thompson, this workshop will help teens explore healthy coping skills, hobbies, and alternative activities.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Safe @ Home
March 24 at 4 PM
Safe@Home by Safe Sitter® is designed for students in grades 4-6 to prepare them to be safe when home alone. This program teaches students how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. All students will receive a book that will be mailed after registration. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
Virtual
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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