Monmouth Medical Center Presents Early May Support Groups

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 10 to 11 a.m.
This support group is run by a registered, board-certified lactation consultant with NICU experience. Topics covered will include newborn and growing infants, premature infants in hospital and at home, pumping and exclusive pumping, common challenges as well as all topics and issues related to breastfeeding. This group meets at Monmouth Medical Center’s Stanley Room 214, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6992. Free.

MOTHER TO MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, May 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Once your baby arrives, join other new mothers to talk about what you are experiencing. Discussions will be led by a registered nurse on topics including infant behavior, feeding, sleeping patterns and crying, as well as recovering from childbirth. Newborns up to age 6 months and fathers are welcome. The program will be held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6992. Free.

HEALING OURSELVES TOGETHER
Tuesday, May 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
This free, professionally run support group provides a safe place for individuals dealing with any type of cancer. The group is held in the Cancer Support Community Meeting Room, Stanley 007 at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-6575. Free.

SHORE-AREA STROKE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesdays, May 6 & 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.
This group, co-sponsored by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, offers support and education for stroke survivors, their families, caregivers and friends who are coping with recovery from stroke. This support group, which features monthly speakers on stroke-related topics, is held at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls Cafeteria, located at 2 Centre Plaza. For information and to register, contact Shirley Maguire at 732-460-6743. Free.

CANCER WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
This is a free, ongoing group, facilitated by Anita Pfisterer, LCSW, offers support and hope for individuals with cancer. A brief interview is required prior to first attendance. This group takes place at the Cancer Support Community Meeting Room, ST – 007, at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information or to register, call Maria Graminski at 732-923-6090.

GENERAL BEREAVEMENT DROP-IN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 3 to 4 p.m.
This free, ongoing weekly general bereavement group is facilitated by experienced professionals to provide a safe, supportive environment for all those who are grieving a loss. This group is held at Monmouth Medical Center’s 6th floor Meditation Room, Greenwall Wing, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information, call Maria Graminski at 732-923-6215. Free.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)/ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
This support group is a safe, non-threatening group for moms or expectant moms experiencing any of the perinatal mood disorders including but not limited to sadness, anger, anxiety, OCD, intrusive/compulsive thoughts, panic or post traumatic stress disorder. Weekly meetings are facilitated by a maternal/child health RN who specializes in PPD. This group is co-sponsored by Central Jersey Family Health Consortium and is held at the Maysie Stroock Pavilion at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information, call Lisa Tremayne 732-923-5573. Free.

KOGAN CELIAC CENTER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.
This professionally facilitated support group provides support, sharing of knowledge and coping skills for those seeking to manage a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. The Kogan Celiac Center Support Group is free and open to participants of all ages. This group will take place at the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 973-322-7272. Free.

US TOO: PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, May 7 from 7 to 9 p.m.
This free support group provides mutual support, information and education for men with prostate cancer and their partners or loved ones. The group is held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. To register, call 732-923-7582. Free.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, May 11 & 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This professionally led psycho-educational group is for family members interested in learning more about mental illness. This group meets at the Community Connections Building, located at 75 N. Bath Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling Jenna Rinaldi at 732-923-6999. Free.

LIVING SMOKE FREE SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
If you’re thinking about going smoke free, are struggling to quit or have recently quit, join us for tips and support to help you maintain a smoke free life including stress management, and weight control. Information about our quit program will also be provided. This group will take place at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123 or by emailing teamlink@barnabashealth.org. Free.

ADULT PULMONARY SUPPORT GROUP/BETTER BREATHER’S CLUB
Tuesday, May 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This support group is cosponsored by Monmouth Medical Center and the American Lung Association of New Jersey for adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic asthma, asthma or bronchitis and their families. This group meets at the Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center at 279 Third Ave, Suite 604 in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123. Free.

OVARIAN CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This group offers women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical and endometrial or uterine cancer and their family members an opportunity to actively participate in healing after a cancer diagnosis. The group will be held at the Pauline Fromkin Family Living Room on the second floor of Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling Leslie Shephard, RN, OCN at 732-923-6709. Free.

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
This support group offers mutual support, education and information sharing for cardiac patients, those with heart disease and their families. This group will take place at the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center in the Maysie Stroock Pavilion, on the corner of Pavilion and Second Avenues in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 732-923-7454. Free.

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH ORAL, HEAD AND NECK CANCER (SPHONC)
Thursday, May 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.
This patient-directed, non-profit, self-help organization is dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Monthly meetings offer information, support and encouragement to newly-diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends. This group will be held in the Radiation Oncology Lounge Waiting Room at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call Rebecca Kopke at 732-923-6473. Free.

LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, May 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This professionally facilitated group offers a safe, caring environment where women can meet the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis, obtain information and share their concerns with others who understand. This group is held at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For registration and information, call 732-923-7582. Free.