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:

Given the continued need to physically distance, the size of our room rentals and the evolving state of our global pandemic, OCEA will continue to offer all classes online throughout 2022.
We dearly want to support the health of expectant families.

Lilly is a very skilled educator. She lays out the course material in a way that is very approachable and spends an appropriate amount of time on each subject. More importantly, Lilly created a safe environment in the class where no one ever felt intimidated by asking a question, and used inclusive terms like "partner" instead of "dad" or "husband" and "chestfeeding" instead of "breastfeeding". I would recommend Lilly's class to everyone I know!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Erin was really wonderful and had so much information that was easy to follow and was non-judgemental with any questions you had. She did really well with teaching the class online given the current situation.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Julia is EXCELLENT! She was very knowledgeable and very funny! She knew how to navigate those awkward and uncomfortable topics with care and grace. If we have a 2nd baby, I would love to have Julia as my midwife :)

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

This course provided it us with the knowledge and confidence we need to bring our bundle of joy into this world! In these uncertain times it reminded us to focus on things we can control! Erin was a great teacher. Thank you so much!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin was absolutely amazing, very knowledgeable and kept the class interactive even in the online platform. Very helpful at answering questions and gave a lot of great tips.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Julia is an excellent educator. Doing online classes on this topic must be challenging but we found it to be a very engaging, interesting and practical class. Julia's experience and vast knowledge is very clear. We really enjoyed Julia's personality and sense of humour which made the class fun to attend. She is also very good at providing a lot of information in a clear and structured manner and at ensuring that the key points are highlighted and memorable.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Great class! Would definitely recommend it!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Lilly is a wonderful educator. She has vast knowledge of the subject along with calm and reassuring demeanor, patience and excellent communication skills. We enjoyed listening and learning from her.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Again, the very frank and honest explanations of what to expect are extremely valuable. These are things that nobody ever tells you and are usually very difficult to talk about.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

The Ottawa CEA Pre Natal course was a great course for all parents to be whether you are a new parent or want to simply refresh your skills. I felt that the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and provided a safe space for asking questions. I also found the additional resources after the course very practical. Overall, very engaging and interesting two-day intensive course. Thank you Brandie!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Erin provided good information regarding on screen time with infants/children which is something that we have always been concerned about.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin was really good! We were both impressed by how easy she made it look even through these challenging times! Made us feel comfortable to ask anything.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

Tutoring

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Private Tutoring

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 Tutoring Schedule

OCEA Social