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:

It was interactive and live so we could ask questions as it went on and get instant feedback.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

My partner and I took a one-day condensed class and feel more prepared to recognize the stages of labour and techniques to cope when the time comes. I would suggest the course for anyone who wants to better understand the birthing process!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

With so much conflicting information online for new parents, it can get overwhelming. We found OCEA classes just amazing, providing evidence-based information on everything from the labour process to bringing baby home. I would highly recommend the classes to all new parents!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

I would recommend the Ottawa CEA to any first time parents! The course was very helpful and I came away with more knowledge and confidence about labour and delivery. The instructor was very knowledgeable and tailored the class to all needs (those having hospital or home births).

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Erin is AMAZING! She is warm, supportive and beyond knowledgeable. She is always available to answer questions. The way she presents information is truly superior. I’m sad that our course is over and we won’t see her on a regular basis. Erin truly made the experience. My husband and I are so happy we took this course and had her as our instructor. Thank you so much, Erin!!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Julia was excellent. Very personable and she made you feel very comfortable in the class and when asking questions. Really enjoyed her overall approach. I will definitely be recommending her and the class to friends.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

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

"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

Highly recommend taking this course. There is so much information available out there, but to have it consolidated into a series of classes led by a fantastic educator made us feel confident in moving towards our next phase of life with our newborn. Erin is endlessly knowledgeable and patient, she is well-versed with all the most up to date research and health guidelines, and her familiarity of local resources is amazing. There is so much to learn, but this class made it feel manageable.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Very informative, encouraging, and well worth the time and money. The educator was wonderful and I trusted her experience and knowledge. My partner and I feel much more confident going into our own upcoming birth and I would recommend this course to all expecting parents.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

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

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Erin and Lily are both very knowledgeable, resourceful, practical and pragmatic in all of their teaching and advice. We appreciated that their courses (Labour and Delivery and Bringing Home Baby) were offered through Zoom. We are thankful for their support before we welcome our baby.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

Lilly is awesome. She presented information in helpful ways that felt really supportive. I went into the class kind of panicked and came away with a sense of confidence and trust in my abilities.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Erin was absolutely PHENOMENAL. Her immense knowledge, calm demeanor, and insight was so helpful. So so so glad we had Erin as our teacher!!!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

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

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

Julia was wonderful. Her voice is both lively and soothing to listen to. She’s also really hilarious. I loved the added bits of humour. She gave many opportunities to ask questions throughout the course. If she isn’t sure about something, she accesses her own resources/network and gets back to you with an answer. As COVID protocols are constantly changing within the healthcare domain (hospitals, birth centres, home births), I thought she was very knowledgeable about the current situation within each place. She was very knowledgeable about the birth process and the postpartum period for the family unit. There were many resources that we could access to facilitate some of the topics within the class that could need more attention either in the prenatal period or postpartum period (I.e infant feeding) which was great!

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

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

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

Bringing Baby Home – with Brandie Lekovic

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