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 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

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

She was great! I really appreciated all of her knowledge and ease of communication even in a new format that is by default distant. I took away a lot of really useful information.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

We highly recommend taking classes with OCEA. Instructors are beyond knowledgeable and so warm and helpful. We learned SO much and now have a wealth of resources to tap into when needed!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

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

Erin provided good information regarding on screen time with infants/children which is something that we have always been concerned about.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Erin was an outstanding educator. You can tell she really enjoys what she does. She has a huge wealth of knowledge and wisdom and is very skilled at sharing it and making it easy to understand. The use of props, play-alongs/demos , videos, images, slides, breakout groups, etc., were done. Online courses are challenging, but Erin made it engaging and the two days went by much better — and were much for fun— than I was expecting!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I feel empowered for the birth, and my husband feels like he understands everything better. The workshop really demystified the process and presented clear information and useful tips. We are so happy that we decided to attend.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Julia has been very patient and has a really calm way about explaining difficult things which was very helpful

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

The Ottawa CEA have very informative and helpful classes offered to new or to-be parents. We were able to take both the Prenatal and Bringing Home Baby classes and we would recommend them to any parents. The instructors are very engaging, positive, helpful and experienced. They put our minds at ease. Thank you!

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

I am a first time Mom to Be and was very nervous about the prospect of actually giving birth. This class not only put my mind and body at ease, but also provided me with tools and resources that will make me more prepared going into labour, delivery, and even after care. Excellent course!!

Pre Natal – with Tabitha Bernard

I was a little skeptical to do this class through zoom, but I had heard so many good things in the Pregnant in Ottawa group, and am very happy we made the choice, as it was very well done.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

Our prenatal class was an amazing experience! Brandie made us feel comfortable and created a safe, engaging learning environment. Her great energy and use of visuals made everything easy to understand. Thanks to this class, we are leaving feeling reassured, confident, and ready for our baby’s arrival. We truly appreciate the thoughtful approach and highly recommend this class to any expecting parents!

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Great class, I signed up mostly for my husband to get him ready, I was so nervous that he would not know what to do but now I feel more confident. We are a first time parents.

Pre Natal – with Julia Wykes

We very much enjoyed the online OCEA pre-natal course and are glad we took it. We appreciated that our instructor presented unbiased information on the birth process that was specific to Ottawa hospitals. Even my partner who already has experience with childbirth and babies learned a few new things! Would recommend to other expecting parents.

Pre Natal – with Misty Pratt

OCEA has made a huge difference - we are pregnant during the COVID 19 pandemic and these online classes really helped us feel more prepared and gave us a sense of community and support. Highly recommend all of their courses. I don’t know what I would do without them.

Pre Natal – with Brandie Lekovic

Our classes were interesting, detailed, dynamic, and fun. Our instructor put everyone at ease while preparing us for our birth. She used a range of teaching techniques that kept everyone interested. We were given a wealth of information that has really made us feel ready and excited. We did not expect to enjoy child birth education classes as much as we did. Thank you!

Prenatal Classes for Midwifery Clients – with Lilly Bianchi

The information taught in the "Bringing Baby Home" workshop exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to all first-time parents. The education really helped ease some of my unnecessary anxieties.

Bringing Baby Home – with Erin Shaheen

The CEA does an excellent job of providing an informative and cost effective class on child birth. My husband and I left feeling much more secure in our decisions about our labor and would recommend the class to anyone wanting to know more about the process, both physically and institutionally.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

This class prepared us extremely well for the birth of our wonderful daughter. We had planned on delivering at the Birth Centre but due to a fast labour had her at home. The information received during the session greatly helped and took away any worry I had. And Lilly was an absolutely fantastic teacher!

Prenatal Classes for Midwifery Clients – with Lilly Bianchi

I liked the structure, and being muted at home meant my partner and I could talk about the information as we were learning it.

Pre Natal – with Lilly Bianchi

The Bringing Baby Home course was incredibly helpful in preparing my partner and I for our exciting new transition to parenting. The course material and instructor were exceptional. I would definitely recommend this course to all new parents!

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