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:

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

Every parent should take this class to feel empowered and capable of making informed decisions on the care of their child-to-be. Our instructor stayed very current on industry trends and current stats and figures, and had a number of fantastic contacts and resources to pass along to us. My partner and I feel so much better about parenthood after taking this course. Highly recommend it!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I went into the class feeling apprehensive about giving birth and what to expect during labour. I left feeling prepared, confident and excited for when I go into labour in a few more weeks. Brandie provided us with a wide set of tools that we could draw on during the labour to deal with a number of different situations, should they arise.

Prenatal Classes for Midwifery Clients – with Brandie Lekovic

The prenatal course was so thorough and really helped us feel ready for this next big step in our lives. The instructor was so knowledgeable, kind, supportive, and just an all-around amazing teacher. The course helped relieve our anxieties about the birthing process, and what to expect afterwards, we feel so much more confident now. Thank you!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Ottawa's CEA Pre Natal course helped prepare my husband and I for the birth of our child without being bias towards one method. The class was fun, interactive, and informative; every piece of material covered was useful and beneficial to us as beginner parents. The instructors are very knowledgable with not only the content but with the community as a whole--we learned of so many resources that Ottawa provides to parents-to-be that we would have never known about if it weren't for this class. We would highly recommend taking this course!

Pre Natal – with Heather Olszewski

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

Bringing Baby Home was a great class! Brandie's informative, non-judgemental teaching was perfect and set a great tone for us as first-time parents. She did a great job of creating a sense of community in the online class. Thank you!

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

During such a difficult time to be pregnant (I never thought my pregnancy would be during a pandemic!) it was really nice to come together with other couples in the same boat. Though it wasn't as social as an in class opportunity likely would have been, the sense of community is such a nice feeling.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

The classes offered by Ottawa CEA are great courses for first time parents. We took the prenatal classes and the Bringing Baby Home classes. My husband and I really enjoyed them. They were very useful to get up to date information specific to Ottawa. It helped us greatly in preparing to be parents. The classes stimulated a lot of discussion between us that I do not think we would have had if we did not take the classes. Erin and Tabitha are great instructors, we really enjoyed our time with them. Thank you!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

I'm really happy my partner and I took this course. I feel better prepared for going through labour and delivery, and feel I learned lots of practical tips that I had not come across in my work in the medical field. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone I knew expecting a baby in Ottawa!

Pre Natal – with Colette Gignac

Was able to do it from the comfort of my home

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

Our educator Erin was an expert and was very clear in her method of teaching. All my questions were answered and the class interaction was very good. I would take another course with OCEA.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Was very impressed with the educator, delivery, personal stories and experiences and neutral, evidence based opinions and attitude

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

This course exceeded our expectations. It covered topics we never would have even thought of looking up on our own.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

The prenatal course with the Ottawa Childbirth Education Association was extremely beneficial to my Husband and I. As first time parents, we felt that this course answered many of our questions and will definitely help us make informed decisions surrounding the birth of our baby. We would definitely recommend this course to any expecting couples!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Yes - Couldn't recommend these classes more. After taking the Pre Natal and Bringing Home Baby Classes, myself and I my partner both feel more prepared for the unexpected and to welcome our baby home. We now have many tools and resources specific to our area to help us through the process.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

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

The classes we took with CEA really gave us the information we needed to make informed decisions and where we could go for more resources and support. I highly recommend taking as many courses as possible because I think you can never be too prepared to become a parent. The more information and resources at your disposal, the more comfortable and confident you can be. The instructors at CEA are just incredible and full of knowledge. They really have a passion for parenting and kids and helping people.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The time that she took at the end to have a group chat and ask us all to check in. I would highly recommend that she do this with classes in the future. Ask questions and have the group check in. It was really nice to get the feedback and feelings of others in the class.

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

Excellent experience, good speed, well communicated. She made everyone feel very comfortable, able to contribute and take something away. She is a knowledgeable trainer who kept the training interesting and stimulating. Loved the ice cube exercise!

Pre Natal One Day – with Misty Pratt

As a mom-to-be with zero experience caring for babies, this class was so reassuring. I learned a ton and feel much more confident about bringing our baby home.

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