Ottawa Childbirth Education Association
The Ottawa Childbirth Education Association has been preparing Ottawa families for birth and early parenthood since 1974. Evidence-based, inclusive, and led by certified instructors, we help you understand all your options so you can make the decisions that are right for you.
Trusted by Ottawa's parents-to-be for over 50 years · DONA & CAPPA trained · Small group classes · In-Person or Online Options across Canada
OUR CLASSES
Find the Right Class for Your Family
From birth preparation to newborn care to CPR, we offer everything you need, in one place.
Prenatal Class
Evidence-based birth preparation for expectant families. In-person in Ottawa and online across Canada.
Bringing Baby Home
Practical newborn care covering sleep, feeding, bathing, babywearing, car seats, and more.
It Takes a Village
“Support your loved ones welcoming a new baby, newborn care for the whole village.”
Infant/Child CPR
Learn infant and child CPR, choking response, and baby-led weaning safety. Offered online.
Private Classes
One-on-one sessions are scheduled around you. In-home or virtual. Also available in French.
Baby Steps - Group
A weekly in-person group for Ottawa families with babies 0 to 6 months. Tuesdays in Vanier.
WHY OCEA
What Makes Our Approach Different
We believe your birth belongs to you so we present the full picture.
Balanced
We cover every option, from unmedicated birth to epidurals to planned cesareans to homebirth, with evidence-based information on benefits and risks.
Small, Interactive Groups
Classes are kept small so every question gets answered. Sessions are interactive, personal, and unhurried.
Ottawa-Specific Knowledge and Experience
Our instructors aren’t just educators, they’re active members of Ottawa’s birth community. They know the hospitals, midwives, doulas, and supports available to you right here in Ottawa.
Certified Instructors, Current Research
Our instructors hold certifications through Lamaze International, DONA, and CAPPA. They support families, follow the latest research, and bring real, up-to-date knowledge into every class.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ottawa Childbirth Education Association
WHAT IS THE OTTAWA CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION ASSOCIATION?
OCEA is a not-for-profit childbirth education organization that has been preparing Ottawa families for birth and early parenthood since 1974. We offer evidence-based prenatal classes, newborn care education, infant CPR, postnatal support, and private sessions in Ottawa and online across Canada. Our classes are led by certified instructors with deep roots in Ottawa’s birth community.
WHAT CLASSES DOES OCEA OFFER?
OCEA offers six classes covering every stage of the journey into parenthood. Our Prenatal Class prepares you for labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. Bringing Baby Home covers everything you need to know for life with a newborn. Our Infant CPR class teaches emergency preparedness. Baby Steps is a weekly in-person group for families with babies aged 0 to 6 months. It Takes a Village is designed for grandparents and supporters. And our Private Classes offer fully personalized one-on-one sessions in English or French.
WHERE DOES OCEA TEACH?
OCEA teaches in Ottawa and online across Canada. Many in-person Prenatal Classes are held at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre. Our Baby Steps parenting group meets weekly at the Richelieu Community Centre in Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood. We also teach at the Qualicum Community Centre located at 48 Nanaimo Drive (near Ikea). All other classes are offered virtually via Zoom, making them accessible to families anywhere in Canada.
WORDS FROM PAST OCEA PARTICIPANTS
What Ottawa & Canadian Parents Are Saying
★★★★★
“OCEA was absolutely incredible, made us feel so comfortable to ask questions, feel prepared for birth and postpartum care, stayed after class to answer questions, and was very helpful and kind. We would recommend OCEA to anyone.”
FIRST-TIME OTTAWA PARENT
★★★★★
“We both feel extremely empowered after having taken this class, in large part due to OCEA’s methods, their approach to the subject matter, and the tools and examples they used.”
FROM A GRATEFUL PARENT
★★★★★
“OCEA was absolutely exceptional. They are so knowledgeable and approachable. The atmosphere was comfortable, and we felt at ease asking questions. They also provided resources to assist us in the future.”
A GROWING CANADIAN FAMILY