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

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

People who took our online class had this to say:

If you are in the fence about taking this class just do it! You will not regret your decision. Highly informative class that is great for both mother and partner. We are definitely more confident as first time parents! Thank you:)

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

This class strikes a great balance between super practical guidance and insights on day-to-day life with a new baby, and also up to date, thoroughly referenced, scientifically backed health information and parenting discourse.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Bringing Baby Home provided us with much needed information and then confidence in becoming parents. We feel less anxious now that we have taken the class. We loved the session on what products to buy! We especially loved all of the community resources that were shared. I am going to recommend this class to anyone who is about to become a parent!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Absolutely ! As first time parents the Prenatal course helped us feel informed about the labour, birth and post-partum stages. My husband and I both feel we're better prepared to know what to expect, what is normal, what isn't and it prompted questions and discussions we wouldn't have otherwise thought to have ahead of labour. We both feel more empowered coming out of this course. As a soon-to-be first time mom I now feel like birth isn't something that has to happen to me but rather something I can take more ownership over. I can't recommend our facilitator, Brandie, enough as well. She is absolutely phenomenal!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

The OCEA pre-natal classes are extremely valuable for first-time expecting parents. The information is shared in a very open, practical and fact-based manner without any judgement attached. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the advice and research that is out there, but the OCEA classes really manage to distill this information and present it in a clear and structured way. The instructors are very experienced and knowledgeable and are great inter-personally. We were particularly impressed by how they handled giving online classes during the pandemic. They also provide a lot of Ottawa-specific information on the amazing resources that are available here. This was particularly useful to us as newcomers. We have many friends who have given birth in other countries, and when telling them about our experience with OCEA they have all said that nothing like this was available to them and it would have been so useful. Overall, we would highly recommend taking these classes.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Easy going, could speak up and ask questions without feeling judged.

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

Michelle was amazing! It would have been nicer if the class was in-person and we could practice more positions, but I really enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Thank you so much!

Pre Natal – with Michelle Morra

The educator, Erin, was so friendly, kind, and easy to talk to. She did an excellent job and we really enjoyed seeing her on Tuesdays :)

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Bringing Baby Home is like the Coles notes of parenting. It helps sum up what all the baby books Teach without any biased push on any one thing. It allows you test out each option and make your own informed decision on what will work best for you and your baby. Very impressed and well worth our time and money. Loved it.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The virtual prenatal class my husband and I took through the OCEA was an excellent experience! Useful and insightful information was presented in a thoughtful and organised fashion and we were also given additional resources upon completion of the course. There was time to ask questions over the duration of the course and the instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and able to offer examples of the situations she was discussing. I would highly recommend this course to any first time parents.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

This course is a must for first time parents-to-be. All of my questions about general "baby maintenance" were answered in a friendly, non-judgemental environment. The section of class that goes over the various products available in the baby industry and what you need and don't need for taking care of a baby was very helpful. I feel better prepared for what to expect once labour is over and baby is home.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

It was nice to be at home and be able to adjust our computer, seating, etc. at our leisure.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Aside from all the info provided by the educator, I liked the interaction with other couples

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

Julia was awesome! Would have loved to do it face to face, but completely understood due to the current climate. It worked well online and was very information.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

We were very impressed with the OCEA "Bringing Baby Home" course. It was well-paced and kept my attention, but also had enough time to ask questions and try some "hands-on" work such as straddling and baby-wearing. The instructor was fantastic and I left the class feeling much more confidant about what's to come. Perhaps most importantly, we gained the knowledge of where to go for help in the community and when to seek help.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

She was fantastic ! Made the class fun to attend !

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The bringing baby home class is a must for any new parent! It has really helped us to feel prepared and more confident and has provided us with information and resources which we will use for years to come. Also, our instructor was great and there was no question that she couldn't answer. She made everyone feel comfortable and brought a sense of humour and kept everyone interested and engaged.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Great course! Erin is so knowledgeable. We feel like this course will save us a lot of money and angst once the baby is born. I really appreciated how current the information was and the information about local options we can use to get help and support. I wish every new family could take part in this course!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I was encouraged by my Midwife to take this class even though I was unsure and hadn't planned on taking any prenatal classes. I am so glad that I listened to her! My CEA class really helped me to understand the birth process much clearer than I ever thought was possible. It prepared me emotionally and mentally by explained what to expect each step of the way and physically by giving practical tips and in-class practice as to relaxation methods and positions for natural pain management. I left each evening feeling encouraged and empowered. I wholeheartedly recommend this class to anybody having a baby!!!

Prenatal Classes for Midwifery Clients – with Brandie Lekovic

Was great to be in the comfort of your home. At 33 weeks much more convenient to be on your couch, have your own pillow and make yourself comfortable.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

We liked being able to following the course from our home. We also appreciated how flexible and understanding Erin was throughout.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Julia was extremely knowledgable and friendly. We loved that she remained neutral about all the interventions and methods of caring for baby and mom. If she has any biases, they were not obvious, and we thought that that was really great. She made us feel safe and welcome and confident in any of the choices we might have to make when we deliver our baby.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Before baby gets here

cart

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

cart

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

cart

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

cart

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.

cart

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

cart

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

cart

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

cart

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

cart

Baby Steps - 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

cart

Premiers Pas d’Ottawa

Êtes-vous francophone avec un nouveau bébé? Vous aimeriez rencontrer d'autres familles francos? On offre un groupe parent-bébé les mercredis matins au centre communautaire Richelieu. Ce groupe est GRATUIT grace à une subvention de Health Nexus Premiers Pas d’Ottawa

Private Classes

cart

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