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:

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

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

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

I found this pre-natal class a perfect choice for us as a couple because of the one-day condensed format and the energetic and fantastic instructor Tabitha! I would recommend this to anyone in Ottawa who is looking for a credible prenatal class that gives an overall approach to what to expect in labour, taking care of baby and taking care of yourself. Money very well spent!!

Pre Natal – with Tabitha Bernard

Julia was a great teacher! Very knowledgeable and passionate. We learned a lot.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Before Covid-19, we both had very busy schedules and it was easier for us to sign up for one single day. We’ve also been reading a lot of books in preparation so we felt that a one day session would be ok. It definitely exceeding our expectations. I think my partner is much more ready for when I’m in labour as am I!

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

I highly recommend the OCEA's Prenatal Class. As first time parents my husband and I had a lot to learn and this course was so helpful for us. We left class feeling like we are prepared for the birth of our baby. We were provided with all the tools and resources we need and our instructor was excellent. Thank you OCEA!

Pre Natal – with Sarah Hartell

We really enjoyed Erin's class! Her style of teaching was really engaging and a nice departure from presentation-heavy classes. We also loved the interactive parts to try on our own baby wearing items, learning to swaddle, and getting to know the carseat. Great class!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

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

The Ottawa CEA went above and beyond our expectations of a pre natal class. We learned the science behind the entire labour process from pre-labour to the birth, we learned about medical interventions, and about positions during labour that both you and your partner could do to relieve sensations from contractions, plus much more. Our teacher was knowledgeable and passionate about her work and she made class a pleasure to attend.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

This course exceeded my expectations. Even done through Zoom it was a very informative and welcoming environment. I feel much more prepared having taken this course. I highly recommend it.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Misty is a fabulous childbirth educator! Both my husband and I felt comfortable asking questions during the class, which is not always the case with online courses. I would 100% recommend this class to a expecting mothers and their partners. What a great way to prepare for the upcoming birth of our little one! :)

Pre Natal – with Misty Pratt

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

My husband and I expected a baby-basics class. What we ended up getting out of the Bringing Baby Home course was plenty of up-to-date information on just about everything baby-related, reliable resources we didn't even know existed, and, most importantly, peace of mind! We would highly recommend this class to all expecting couples. Even if you have done other prenatal classes, you will not regret doing the BBH course.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

It was well worth the time and money. The amount of information we received has helped both my husband and myself feel much more comfortable with what to expect.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Lily was fabulous and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend the class and the instructor.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

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

CEA's Pre Natal course was informative and allowed my husband and I to walk away feeling more confident in the stages of pregnancy and labour ahead of us, our options and how to prepare for all the next steps. It also alleviated a lot of my fear around labour and made me feel more in control of my choices and confident in my body. Overall it was a fantastic course, clearly offered by someone educator and passionate about the material. We will definitely be suggesting it to our friends when they are expecting!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with the Ottawa CEA's Pre Natal Course. The instructor was fabulous and covered a lot of vital information in just one weekend. We left the course feeling more confident and better informed about the experience ahead of us. It was a great opportunity to bond with my husband over the birth process and have our questions answered in a comfortable, warm and friendly environment. We highly recommend this course and are looking forward to taking the CEA's "Bringing Baby Home" course.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

LOVED Erin, her knowledge and experience, her positive non-judgemental attitude, her stories, everything. We truly enjoyed the class and were sad when it ended!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

This was the second course that we took with Ottawa CEA, and yet again our expectations were exceeded. Our instructor was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing balanced and informed views while fostering a relaxed and open learning environment. There was a very good mixture of lecture, discussion and hands-on activities (including the opportunity to try on various baby carriers, handle the many different types of cloth diapers, perform infant CPR on small dummies, etc.). We learned so much over the course of two days, and are very happy that we decided to attend. We feel much better prepared both for the months leading up to our baby's birth (we now have a better sense of what baby gear is really necessary) and the first year of her life.

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