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:

I was recommended Ottawa CEO Pre Natal by our midwife and I am so happy my partner and I took the course, as there was so much that we did not know! The 6 part class allowed us to digest and reflect on the information at a pace that helped ensure we fully understood the stages of labour, comfort measures available and post natal expectations. Our instructor, Michelle, was very personable, informative and answered all of our questions thoroughly. We certainly feel more confident entering the final phase of pregnancy after taking this class. Thank you Michelle!

Pre Natal – with Michelle Morra

I was encouraged by my Midwife to take this class even though I was unsure and hadn't planned on taking any prenatal classes. I am so glad that I listened to her! My CEA class really helped me to understand the birth process much clearer than I ever thought was possible. It prepared me emotionally and mentally by explained what to expect each step of the way and physically by giving practical tips and in-class practice as to relaxation methods and positions for natural pain management. I left each evening feeling encouraged and empowered. I wholeheartedly recommend this class to anybody having a baby!!!

Prenatal Classes for Midwifery Clients – with Brandie Lekovic

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

Lilly was incredible, she shared the information that can appear as quite daunting in such a calm, humble matter. At no point did she make my husband and I feel overhwlemed by the information abd when information felt overhwhelming, she ensured to make the time to calm all of our worries and answer all our questions

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

My wife and I recently participated in two Ottawa CEA programs - Prenatal/Labour and Bringing Baby Home. Both programs were taught by extremely knowledgeable instructors who were very efficient at passing on the information in a manner that was suitable for everyone in the class. I believe that their information was all up to date as often they were quoting from very recent and varied resources. I strongly recommend that expectant parents who may be uncertain of their own level of knowledge about baby care, consider these programs. We found them to be great value for the money. Trevor McLeod Ottawa

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin is a fabulous teacher! Great personality, very approachable, very non-judgemental. She is also super knowledgable. Would highly recommend her and would love to hire her as a Doula if they are allowed to work again when we give deliver.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

"The Bringing Baby Home class was great and answered a lot of our questions about what to buy and what we could live without. We feel more confident in our decision-making abilities in choosing baby gear and really appreciated the hands-on experiences like diapering, swaddling, and trying out different baby carriers. We have already recommended it to friends and co-workers!"

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

Very fun and informative! Lily made online learning more community like than we thought possible! It was great to experience online learning from the comfort of our own home!

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

I’m a healthcare provider and I work with prenatal and postnatal women. I took this class, as the birthing partner, with the expectation that I can at least learn with my non-birthing partner. I ended up learning a lot myself that I didn’t know. I really appreciateD the opportunity to stimulate discussion between me and my partner so we can make informed decisions together!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Sure! Bringing Baby Home is an information packed course that is based on current research and the latest information. It has topics from car seats, to sleeping to eating and any question you could possibly ask is answered thoroughly. All parents will benefit from this class.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

We were a bit skeptical going in to the class as so many friends have said they didn't find prenatal classes useful. We found both days of the course to be interesting and useful. I would not hesitate to recommend CEA to a friend or family member. Both my husband and I feel a little more prepared for the big day!

Pre Natal – with Colette Gignac

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

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

We had a great 6 weeks with Julia! We really enjoyed her facilitation of the prenatal class and topics/information presented and discussed. It was very helpful and informative. We really appreciated Julia's down-to-earth nature and very realistic views and presentation of the topics. Julia was very detailed but kept it light and realistic with no sugar coating :) - which is just what we needed!

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Bringing Baby Home is like the Coles notes of parenting. It helps sum up what all the baby books Teach without any biased push on any one thing. It allows you test out each option and make your own informed decision on what will work best for you and your baby. Very impressed and well worth our time and money. Loved it.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The Pre Natal Class was very informative and both my husband and I really benefited from it. The instructor was very knowledgeable about all of the latest information, and provided lots of resources for where to get more information after the class if we need it. Great conversations and discussions, and I learned more than I expected! I look forward to taking other classes with Ottawa CEA, and I will definitely be recommending this organization to friends and family!

Pre Natal – with Colette Gignac

The OCEA prenatal course was amazing. We are first time parents and honestly didn't know what to expect or how to prepare for the arrival of our baby. This course and Brandie were excellent and have really helped us prepare with the most useful in depth information. It was more than we could have hoped for. .

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

This experience was great! We would definitely recommend this session to others.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

Fantastic course for new to-be parents. The course offered essential, practical, and evidence-based information in an open and inclusive manner.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Lily was simply excellent! Truly a gifted educator and so engaging and compassionate in her teaching. Her clear care for the group especially during the time of COVID-19 was so much appreciated! My partner and I really appreciated every aspect of the course and the fact that she made it so personal despite the online format! Thank you so much Lily!

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