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 August. 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. 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/SeventyFour
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal Yoga with Ignite One
August 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Enjoy a Gentle Yoga class just for expecting moms.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
For more information, contact: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN, molly.fallon@rwjbh.org, (973) 926-7371
Childbirth Education Class at Jersey City Medical Center
August 4 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This program will focus on what to expect during labor and delivery, pain management, third-trimester changes, signs, and symptoms of labor, and a virtual tour of Labor & Delivery/Postpartum. This program will include four classes, 2 hours/class combination lectures, and movie presentations. Registration must be filled and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $125
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For registration and more information, call: (201) 915-2365 or e-mail Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Virtual Childbirth Preparation at Saint Barnabas Multi-Part Course
Multiple Course Dates and One Day Course options available in August
The Women’s Health/Parent Education at Saint 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: $75
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint 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
August 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Being pregnant is amazing—and at times, amazingly stressful. We get it. 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, the 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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Prenatal Nutrition 101
August 11 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Virtual class with all the nutrition information you need to know for moms-to-be.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
For more information, contact Molly Fallon Dixon at Molly.fallon@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
New Moms
Beth Babies: Breastfeeding Class
August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Worried that you will not have enough milk? Concerned that breastfeeding is going to be painful? Learn techniques to latch your baby well, receive skilled guidance from Lactation Counselors and meet other pregnant and nursing mothers. Pregnant women, partners, and nursing babies welcome!
Cost: Free
Virtual, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registrant info goes to: janine.marley@rwjbh.org
Baby’s First Foods
August 25 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Join this 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.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Registrant Info: Molly Fallon Dixon, MS, RDN molly.fallon@rwjbh.org or (973) 726-7371
Virtual New Moms’ Circle Support Group (Saint Barnabas)
August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 10 AM
New Moms Circle offers 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. New moms along with their babies are welcome to participate occasionally or each week. A Breastfeeding Support Group follows at 11:30 am.
Cost: Free— Please register online in the event of a cancellation (you only need to register once).
Sponsored by Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Breastfeeding Classes at Jersey City Medical Center
August 31 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This 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. Registration must be filled and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $35
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For registration and more information, call: (201) 915-2365 or e-mailing Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org
Infant Care Classes – Jersey City Medical Center
August 30 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The program will include two hours of combination lectures and movie presentations covering the baby’s physical appearance, diapering, bathing, cord care, and special procedures. Registration must be filled and payment received at least two weeks before the class date. Currently, all classes are held virtually. The link will be sent before the start of class. Payment can be made by check made out to “Jersey City Medical Center” and sent to Jersey City Medical Center.
Cost: $35
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center
For any questions, please contact Eufemia Rios RN, Childbirth Educator, Class Registration: (201) 915-2365 Email: Eufemia.rios@rwjbh.org or Attention – Eufemia Rios/3 East, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Breastfeeding Basics & Benefits
August 4 from 12 PM – 1 PM
Discover breastfeeding tips, its health benefits, common positions such as the cradle or clutch, strategies to overcome problems such as mastitis or cracked nipples, techniques to encourage latching, the ideal feeding pattern, the recommended length of feeding time on each side, pumping tips and supplementation recommendations, including when it’s appropriate.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hosptial Somerset
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
August 2, 9, 16, and 23 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. Don’t let breastfeeding challenges discourage you during COVID-19. We are here to support you along your breastfeeding journey. For more information and to be sent 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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 11 AM – 12 PM
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 complications of childbirth, 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, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Pregnancy Support Circle (Saint Barnabas)
August 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. The Pregnancy Support Circle provides a space for pregnant women to connect and support each other during this time. Please check the online calendar for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Friday Mommies Moods Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Virtual Mommies Moods Group (Saint Barnabas)
August 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers free Zoom Support Groups for expecting and new moms facilitated by Lauren Meisels, Ph.D. For more information and to be sent the Zoom link, please register online. 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. Please check the online calendar for a Monday New Moms Circle and a Wednesday Pregnancy Support Group.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsoring Facility: Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Additional Wellness Programs
Wise Women
August 26 from 1:30 PM – 3 PM
As we age, the twists and turns of life challenge us to remain positive, stay engaged, find new meaning and grow in wisdom. Discussion group format: August 26- Living a Well Balanced Life
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help make every #NJMOM her healthiest.
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