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:

Since taking the course with Lilly, I have told all of my pregnant friends about it. She made me and my partner feel very comfortable and at ease about the whole childbirth experience. She was calm, and knowledgeable making me feel much more confident and less anxious about labour and childbirth.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Julia was really informative and full of excitement, so it was indeed a wonderful series of class

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

She was great! I really appreciated all of her knowledge and ease of communication even in a new format that is by default distant. I took away a lot of really useful information.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Everyone should take advantage of the courses offered by OCEA! What a great service for new, local parents.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Before I took this prenatal class I was very nervous about the prospect of childbirth. This class taught me about all my options from pain relief, to breastfeeding, and most of all how to be an advocate for myself and my daughter. I now feel confident in my ability to give birth and feel less scared and more excited. Our educator was very kind and knowledgeable and gave a very non bias view on everything which I found most important and really helped my husband and I come up with a birth plan that is right for us.

Pre Natal – with Colette Gignac

Lilly is an amazing educator! I was so anxious before taking this course but looked forward to each class as I learned so much and it answered questions I didn't even know I had. Lilly is so knowledgeable and kind and unbiased and has a nice sense of humour too! It was a pleasure to learn from her each week. Thanks Lilly!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

This course is extremely useful in helping you navigate the plethora of advice that will inadvertently be thrown your way when you are a new parent. The instructor walks you through myths and realities, essentials and non-essentials, patiently stopping to answer all of your questions along the way. The baby safety and CPR portion was great in helping me feel more prepared to have a little new life to be responsible for! Partners are also very much included in all activities and I really appreciated this - as mom to be won't be raising the child alone :)

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I HIGHLY recommend this course. Our instructor was so knowledgeable, and so understanding of the issues facing new parents. I feel so much more confident about our upcoming baby than before this weekend. Both my husband and I walked away from this weekend feeling more excited, and better prepared than before. The information was based on base practices/guidelines, but also incorporating real life parenting experiences. Truly, a really great course.

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

Phenomenal workshop with an equally phenomenal facilitator. Erin was so knowledgeable on ALL topics relating to this course, it was a breath of fresh air to know that we could ask any question and she would reply with personal, professional experiences, or both. My husband and I learned so much in this course, as a couple we feel more confident in preparing for our first baby, and now are aware of many additional resources that are available to us. Amazing experience!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Great class. Exceeded my expectations and I feel much more prepared as a first-time mom. All the little details you don't think of until after the fact. Definitely worth the small fee for a greater piece of kind.

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

She was very engaging and passionate about the information she was sharing. I enjoyed her teaching style.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Lilly is excellent! Would definitely take a course with her again. She is not only very knowledgeable but friendly as well. We really enjoyed the class!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Honestly, it was easily one of the best online courses I have taken. The size of the group was perfect. I still felt connected to the instructor and the participants. Lilly did a great job of making us all feel included and part of the class, despite there be a screen between us. I don't have anything bad to say about it.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

We did not know exactly what to expect from the class, but from the moment our instructor began we knew we were in great hands. The balance of sober and honest information with compassion and a spirit of honouring the process of birth was comforting and empowering. The hands on practice of massage and comfort techniques is something that we will definitely be practicing in the weeks to come. Thank you Brandie and OCEA for such a fabulous course!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

I would highly recommend this course. It is probably the best investment we have made in preparing for our first child. Lots of useful information presented in an easy-to-digest way, without opinion, bias, or "horror stories". I feel so much more prepared for labour, birth & the early days of parenthood.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Bringing Baby Home was a really thorough and educational experience. It managed to alleviate our first parent jitters and made us feel a bit more secure that we knew what we were doing. It also offered us a lifeline to ask questions after the course was finished which has helped a lot.

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

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending prenatal classes this weekend, guided by the wonderful Michelle. Her kindness, expertise, and unwavering support made the experience truly invaluable. From Saturday to Sunday, we felt empowered and informed, thanks to her guidance. Without hesitation, I would wholeheartedly recommend these classes to any expecting couple. Michelle's dedication and warmth create an environment where you feel not only prepared but also genuinely cared for.

Pre Natal – with Michelle Morra

Julia has been very patient and has a really calm way about explaining difficult things which was very helpful

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

"This is a wonderful class to take as a new parent. It is very inclusive of partners and how they can support you throughout the labor process. It was full of information, much of it I would have never thought to even ask about! Patient teacher, willing to answer all questions. Class is tailored to the needs of those present, that was much appreciated. I recommend this to anyone expecting their first child!"

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Misty was phenomenal as a Facilitator, she was unbiased in her approach and research-based which was great. She was empathetic, I felt she spoke equally to moms-to-be and partners and didn't make it all about the moms which was a relief. She answered every question the participants had, she was knowledgeable beyond my expectations!

Pre Natal – with Misty Pratt

Erin, our instructor. She made the experience really positive and always made sure that as parents of twins we had that perspective. She is AMAZING!

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