Welcome to Ottawa Childbirth Education Association

Let's talk birth and babies!

Freedom of choice Based on a Knowledge of Alternatives

Practical tools to prepare for birth

Hands on parenting class for expectant parents

Bringing baby home

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For over 40 years, trusted by Ottawa's parents-to-be.

People who took our online class had this to say:

I've taken other online pre-natal classes and this is the first that felt really comprehensive, unbiased and supportive. In my partner and I have enjoyed the hands on techniques, the balance between practical and academic and getting to know other couples expecting their first child. Lilly was non-judgmental and very well informed, she shared her knowledge eloquently.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Was able to do it from the comfort of my home

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

My husband and I expected a baby-basics class. What we ended up getting out of the Bringing Baby Home course was plenty of up-to-date information on just about everything baby-related, reliable resources we didn't even know existed, and, most importantly, peace of mind! We would highly recommend this class to all expecting couples. Even if you have done other prenatal classes, you will not regret doing the BBH course.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin is a fabulous teacher! Great personality, very approachable, very non-judgemental. She is also super knowledgable. Would highly recommend her and would love to hire her as a Doula if they are allowed to work again when we give deliver.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with the Ottawa CEA's Pre Natal Course. The instructor was fabulous and covered a lot of vital information in just one weekend. We left the course feeling more confident and better informed about the experience ahead of us. It was a great opportunity to bond with my husband over the birth process and have our questions answered in a comfortable, warm and friendly environment. We highly recommend this course and are looking forward to taking the CEA's "Bringing Baby Home" course.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Julia was so helpful and answered all the questions I had which really helped to ease some of the anxiousness I've been facing with covid19 restrictions in place and how it may impact my birth experience. I am so thankful for her knowledge and care!

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Amazing class, made us feel so much more prepared for the arrival of our baby!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

I was a little skeptical to do this class through zoom, but I had heard so many good things in the Pregnant in Ottawa group, and am very happy we made the choice, as it was very well done.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Lilly was fantastic and had a calm, informative and empowering approach to educating our class on prenatal subjects and what we could expect as new parents. She was very thorough and welcomed any questions we had, which created a very open and comfortable atmosphere for learning. Lily took the time to learn about each couple's care and birth plans, and was able to cater information to us in a very thoughtful way. My partner and I looked forward to our lessons and felt we benefited from them immensely, I would highly recommend this course to parents-to-be!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Although we have plenty of resources available to us, including couples that have recently had babies (some of which explore more "alternative" or new methods in raising their children and others more conservative), plenty of people that are giving us advice, books, online tutorials etc... this course was truly invaluable. The course structure made a lot of sense and the instructor (we had Erin) was so knowledgeable, answering questions based on her wealth of experience, existing research studies, historical context and so on. We can't imagine this information being conveyed in any other way other than in a class such as this. We literally could ask anything pertaining to the course topics and would get a very good answer. We will be recommending this course to everyone that is expecting. We found it especially helpful that we had not made any baby related purchases yet because one component of this course was about what products to buy, should wait to buy, not buy and WHY. Thank you!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The suggestions for community resources were fantastic. It definitely helps to have a starting point to know what to look for and what questions to ask.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The workshop on bring baby home was informative: It is especially working so well with busy couples, as the instructor focuses on each topic with the detailed explanation. You have time to discuss with your partner, as well as in the class at large. The instructor is very professional, effective and friendly. We took a two-day workshop, but time went on so fast. We're very happy about this workshop.

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

Again thanks for all the work you've done to make the class accessible during this time and to update all the resources.

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

The Bringing Baby Home course is a great guide to the many how-to's that new parents face. As much emphasis is put on pregnancy and labour, this course allows you to learn and understand what awaits you once your baby is in your arms. We feel much more confortable and excited for the arrival of our baby as this course allowed us to put some worries at ease and opened our eyes to other great options to help raise a happy family.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Amazing class! Very hands on and practical!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

"The Bringing Baby Home class was great and answered a lot of our questions about what to buy and what we could live without. We feel more confident in our decision-making abilities in choosing baby gear and really appreciated the hands-on experiences like diapering, swaddling, and trying out different baby carriers. We have already recommended it to friends and co-workers!"

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I actually learned about the Ottawa CEA through a friend. I would definitely recommend the Bringing Baby Home course to all first-time parents. It really helps to demystify a lot of things surrounding baby care. I feel much more prepared to welcome baby home after taking this course!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Of course! Ottawa CEA Pre Natal Class was the most informative source of information that I've come into contact with since getting pregnant! This isn't an old-fashioned, dry course that tells you not to smoke (because you should know that anyway), or shows you how to swaddle a baby. The information provided was up-to-date, reliable and relatable. The teaching method was objective, with no judgements of one's perferred method of childbirth. There was much more active learning than I had expected, but it never got overwhelming. The pacing was perfect for two days! The course gave me a clear idea of what it might be like to be in labour, and empowered me with information. I know feel as though I have actual tools that will help me prepare for the big day! I highly recommend this course for both soon-to-be parents, as my support partner also gained much knowledge from the course and feels more comfortable with being my support.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Erin's enthusiasm for babies, parenting, and supporting new parents really made the class shine.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Great class, for someone that had high anxiety about birth, this class was exactly what I needed, I was one of those women that wanted to have a Cesarean birth because I was so afraid of labour and pain, so my family and friends couldn't believed it when I came out of class and told them I hoped I have a natural birth, I can't believe it either!!. They help with not only the understanding of the birth process but with elements on how to cope with the fear and of course pain.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

My husband and I were NOT looking forward to taking a pre-natal/birthing class, in fact we tried to get out of doing one. However our midwife urged us to take one because we are first time parents. All we had to go on about what would happen was from movies really and we were both dreading what we thought would happen. Both of us were actually really surprised at how much we enjoyed the class, and how much we learned. I can say now that I eat my words about not wanting to go, and we both are very glad to have all of this information in our arsenal to help us have a healthy birth.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Lilly was so amazing! She was informative without being judgmental, honest withput being scary, and clearly knew the material inside out. We would absolutely recommend this course to other new parents!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Before baby gets here

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Pre Natal Classes

OCEA's prenatal class will give you all the practical tools to prepare you for your birth whether at home, hospital or birth centre. Our small interactive group classes include the following information presented in small group formats ... Pre Natal Classes Schedule

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Bringing Baby Home

Our Bringing Baby Home class is a hands on parenting class for expectant parents that covers normal newborn behaviour, diapering decisions, bathing strategies, bonding and attachment and more! ... Bringing Baby Home Schedule

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Comfort Measures

This hands on class includes coping strategies to help you feel confident understanding the Pain - Tension - Fear cycle. How to interrupt this cycle using a variety of positions, massage and breathing techniques to help you at each step of labour and birth ... Comfort Measures Schedule

With baby

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Infant sleep class

Are you an exhausted parent that has tried everything and cannot get your baby to sleep? Do you want to find a solution that is not crying it out? We will be creating a space for parents to follow their instincts when it comes to their new baby... Infant sleep class.

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Infant Massage

Learn the health-giving properties of Infant Massage: growth and motor skill development, blood and lymph circulation, immune system stimulation, building bones, helping with gas and colic, aid with deeper and longer sleep, emotional and physical bonding time ... Infant Massage Schedule

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Baby at the Table

Baby at the Table – a baby foodie class for the first year. Thinking about introducing solids? Not sure when or where to start? Purées or Baby Led Weaning? Baby is eating solids and you want to connect with others, diversify recipes, or create mealtime routines? ... Baby at the Table

Specialty

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It Takes a Village

About to be a Grandparent? Or maybe an Aunt, Uncle or another "villager"? This class is just for you! Sure, babies will always be babies, but parenting has so many new dimensions these days. Let us get you up to date on newborn development, sleep, tummy time, infant feeding, car seats, and more. We also explore how to be helpful and supportive while keeping your family relationships happy and boundaries healthy. It Takes a Village

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CPR

Our virtual CPR classes focuses on infant choking, signs of readiness for starting solids, babyled weaning and baby proofing strategies. This life skills class is excellent for family and friends who are interested in learning all aspects of infant, child and adult CPR ... CPR Schedule

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Parenting Group

Join us for the new OCEA parent group, BABY STEPS! Come and discuss life with your newborn. This group is geared to families with babies from 0-6months, covering topics including family adjustments, creating new family traditions, normal sleep patterns, and Parenting Group Schedule

Private Classes

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Private Classes

OCEA provides private tutoring for individuals and couples unable to commit to an evening series or weekend class. Take a session on your own or with friends and we will meet your scheduling needs ... Private class Schedule

OCEA Social