The days may be slowly getting brighter by minutes but, with the deep winter upon us, it's a time of turning inward and embracing the winter months.

(scroll to see what classes we have to offer)

It may also be a time that requires tact in balancing postpartum life with family visits. If you have house guests or are travelling for gatherings. Here’s tips as you navigate:

1. Create a ‘Quiet Space’ for you and baby

Some people find milk production declines when they are travelling or dealing with busy holiday activities and gatherings. The baby may also fuss at the breast when the milk flow is slower than normal. Whether you’re hosting or visiting, set up a quiet, designated area where your baby can be fed and rest undisturbed (especially for skin-to-skin time). Use this space to step away if your baby becomes overwhelmed or needs a break from the festivities.

2. Give Guests a Job
To be able to focus on your newborn, consider asking family or friends for help while they're visiting. Have your guests bring a meal and keep a list of tasks that need doing if anyone offers help. Things like washing and sterilizing bottles, keeping the fridge stocked with groceries, or pitching in with laundry can help to significantly reduce your stress and allow you to focus on caring for your newborn.

3. Babywearing for the win
Some families find babywearing to create more ease when in group settings. It keeps baby close and in your arms when that feels best for you. Facing baby inward (heart to heart) helps baby's system to regulate thus less overstimulation and less crying. You get to participate in activities with both hands or to sink in and enjoy the cozy. 

4. Coping with Criticism
It can be hard to deal with criticism or unsolicited parenting advice from relatives. A simple response like, "I'll keep that in mind, but this approach is working well for us," will help to shut the conversation down, and you can quickly switch to a new topic!

Some family members may not fully understand your precautions, and that’s okay. Open communication can help maintain relationships while holding your boundaries. Keep the focus on your baby’s health and needs, and most people will respect your choices.

Did you know that we offer a class designed to bring Grandparents & other support people in your Village up to speed on the latest recommendations. We help harness all that love into family support because It Takes a Village. Over Zoom and starting on Jan 21st. Register here.

We have an amazing number of classes to keep you & your baby connected in the cold, snowy month of January!

BABY AT THE TABLE

Thinking about introducing solids?

Purées or Baby Led Weaning?

We talk about it all.

Baby at the Table is a baby foodie class to help sift through the noise and find what is best for your family:

Are they getting enough?  We will discuss current best practices and recommendations around baby nutrition (here and worldwide) with a special focus on babies’ physiology as they prepare to take in solids.

What to do if a baby chokes?  You will leave this class with knowledge, tips and confidence to feed and care for your family - even to help with digestion!

What about introducing Allergenic Foods?  Find out the latest recommendations.

What can I feed my baby? Baby is eating solids and you want to connect with others, diversify recipes, or create mealtime routines? You will receive quick recipes and ideas that pack a nutritional punch without making separate meals for you and your growing baby.

$65 (CAD) for this four-week online class. Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Zoom.

Register here.

INFANT MASSAGE

Learn the art & science of Infant Massage, which has been shown to increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) for both babies and caregivers. So many health benefits with the extra bonding bonus!

Brandie Lekovic is offering live, virtual, four-week classes, which include individualized massage sessions and handouts. Classes intended for pre-crawling babies and includes clever hints for carrying massage into the years to come.

Expect opportunities to connect with the other new parents in the group.

$60 (CAD) for this four-week online class. Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10 – 11 AM on Zoom.

Register here.

BABY STEPS **New for 2025**

Bring your baby, a warm drink, snack, and come to meet new friends!  

This new parent group will cover a different topic each week on life with a newborn. This group is geared toward families with babies from 0-6 months. Topics will be reflective of each group's needs and may include any of the following:

• Getting out with a newborn: sharing ideas of fun, easy outings with your newborn

• Finding and creating time-saving strategies as a new parent

• Family adjustments: setting gentle boundaries with loved ones and managing expectations from friends and family

• Days with our newborns: sharing ideas and suggestions for setting a nice daily rhythms

• Sleep and naps: let's share our sleep wins and challenges!  

• Open question week:  Bring your questions and let's discuss and brainstorm some ideas

• Planning family meals: meal prep is an ongoing task, as support during the "5-7 pm shift" and so much more.

• Baby wearing: bring your carriers, let's try them on and make adjustments

Baby Steps will be facilitated by Michelle Morra, an OCEA prenatal educator, postpartum doula and parent to five. Michelle's calm approach to gentle parenting and supportive care towards new parents will make this a wonderful, non-judgmental, safe group.  Michelle looks forward to welcoming you and your baby in the fall!

$150 for 7 weeks, in-person. Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 9:30 – 11 AM.
Register here.

COMFORT MEASURES

Do you need a little refresher on your options for pain management for birth?
Hoping to use unmedicated strategies for comfort?

Looking for a babymoon date-night idea?  

This 3-hour class is a hands-on session to delve deeper into ideas and practice of naturally occurring pain relief/coping strategies. Brandie Lekovic, a Doula for 20 years, teaches practical tips for the Birth Partners. This is a great compliment to a prenatal class or as a refresher for those having another baby.

$85 for a 3-hour class. Monday Jan 13 or Thursday Feb 13 from 6 – 9 PM.

Register here.

PRENATAL CLASS:

WEEKDAY EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, AND ONE-DAY CONDENSEND

We offer prenatal classes in a variety of formats and times. Join us for 6 weekday evenings, or try a full 2-day weekend class. If your schedule is tight or your work shifts, try our 1-day condensed class for the basics.

We cover topics such as your birth support team; stages and phases of labour; comfort measures including relaxation and massage techniques; pain management; making decisions and giving consent; possible interventions; post-birth procedures for babies and post-birth recovery for the birthing parent; resources in Ottawa; and infant feeding (topics vary by class).

$200 (per couple) for evening or weekend classes; $175 (per couple) for one-day classes.

January and February dates still available! Register here.

If you don't find a date that fits, we can tailor a Private Class specific to your needs.

xoxo from all of us at OCEA

For the full list of our classes visit our website:
https://ottawacea.com/