OCEA Newsletter

May 3, 2023, 6:05 p.m.

Spring is finally here!

If you’re like most of us, you’re dreaming about the freedom of walking out the door jacket-free to enjoy the warm sunshine. But if you have a little one, or two, there may be some questions that make you hesitate at the door.

We’re happy to help with tips and upcoming courses!

How do I protect my baby from the sun? Sunscreens are unsafe for babies under six months old, so shade is the answer. Covering car seats or strollers with blankets can raise the temperature underneath by 5 degrees (imagine that on a 28C day!). Blankets reduce the circulation of fresh air and makes it harder to check on your baby. So be sure to use the cover that was designed for your stroller which leaves lots of room for air movement and keeps baby in view! Plan to get out for your walks before 11 am or after 2 pm to avoid the hottest sun.

Check out Ottawa Public Health’s Sun Safety tips.

How can I get possibly go out when I’m so tired?

???? Join our upcoming Sleep Class with Erin Shaheen and learn ways for everyone in the family to find a little more dream time. The next session runs May 23 - June 13, 9-10:15 am

???? Harness family support that’s actually helpful by sending your family members to our It Takes A Village class, with Lilly Bianchi. The next session is
Jun 5 & 7, 6:30-9:30 pm.

???? Consider some doula support. Ottawa has many incredible postpartum doulas. You can start your search through Ottawa Valley Doulas or check out what the OCEA team has to offer! See the Did You Know? section below.

What if my baby’s too fussy?

Sign up for Brandie Lekovic’s popular Infant Massage class where you can learn gentle and easy ways to calm your baby, and meet other parents too! The next session runs June 6 – 27, 10-11 am.

What if my baby gets hungry?

Feel reassured with information about feeding your young baby in our Baby at the Table class with Brandie Lekovic. The next session runs June 7-28, 10-11 am

Spotlight on Ottawa Area Community Resources

May 1-7 is Canadian Mental Health Week

No matter how lovely it is outside, many new parents will experience mental health and well-being issues like depression, anxiety or relationship challenges. Fortunately, Ottawa has some great resources:

Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario offers many services, including pay-what-you-can counselling
The Women’s Mental Health Program at the Royal Ottawa offers programs specifically around childbearing and mental health: /
Your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner can refer you to the Ottawa Hospital's Perinatal Mental Health Program
Mothercraft Ottawa has excellent Postpartum Support Drop Ins, including one for Dads.
St Paul University offers scaled-to-income couple counselling

Did you know?

OCEA offers daytime and overnight postpartum doula support

provided by several experienced members of our team.

We’re very happy to announce that Jessica Ludgate has joined our team.

Jessica will be offering daytime postpartum doula services.

Jessica was a midwife in Ottawa for 14 years. She’s happy to be able to continue supporting growing families as a postpartum doula. Jessica is a Mum to two sweet kids. In her off time she enjoys a good latte, going on long walks and catching up on her favourite tv shows. Jessica joins Michelle in offering daytime doula support.

Julia, Michelle and Lilly continue to offer overnight doula support

To find out more about our doula services, get in touch at birth@ottawacea.com.

For the full list of our classes visit our website:

https://ottawacea.com/

Sending you all our best wishes,

OCEA

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