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.

Brandie was amazing, very knowledgeable, answered all our questions. Very engaging instructor and would recommend her to anyone taking the course.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Julia was very informative and engaging. She kept the topics interesting through the online format.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

It really prepared us for the journey we are about to experience, we highly recommend everyone who is going to have their babies to take this prenatal sessions. Removes the fears and unknowns about childbirth. Being able to share your knowledge and experiences with the other new parents in the class was very helpful.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

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

I had no idea what doing the class over Zoom would be like but Brandie was excellent!

Pre Natal One Day – with Brandie Lekovic

Lily made online learning more community like than we thought was possible! It was also very nice to learn from the comfort of our own home!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

Erin was absolutely phenomenal as a course facilitator and her knowledge of all subjects relating to the course was outstanding! She has a casual approach to many baby topics that would otherwise cause great (unnecessary) stress for parents-to-be. The combined experience of having her own family and working with new parents over the years adds an amazing wisdom that was so refreshing to see. It was too bad the course was online as I'm sure it would've been more engaging in person, overall I give it an A+.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin was incredibly personable, knowledgable, responsive and a very fun teacher. She was able to keep our attention throughout the day with her lovely jokes, depth of her knowledge and experience and kind and welcoming personality. We learned a lot from the class and truly enjoyed ourselves.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Julia was wonderful! She did a great job of making the information engaging and easily accessible for first time parents. She was really encouraging and inspiring!

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Julia was extremely knowledgable and friendly. We loved that she remained neutral about all the interventions and methods of caring for baby and mom. If she has any biases, they were not obvious, and we thought that that was really great. She made us feel safe and welcome and confident in any of the choices we might have to make when we deliver our baby.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Julia was an amazing educator and I would highly recommend her and this class to new parents.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

I've taken other online pre-natal classes and this is the first that felt really comprehensive, unbiased and supportive. In my partner and I have enjoyed the hands on techniques, the balance between practical and academic and getting to know other couples expecting their first child. Lilly was non-judgmental and very well informed, she shared her knowledge eloquently.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

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