As September rolls around, we get cooler mornings and crisp sunny days. This time of year we may be busy enjoying the last few weeks of our garden, going for beautiful walks and tidying up our homes because we slowly feel the gentle pull to spending more time indoors. September is always a nice time of year to plan for some fun indoor activities that will help set a lovely rhythm to support us as the days shorten and the weather gets cooler.

With that in mind, we have a new parent group called Baby Steps!

Baby Steps?
OCEA is launching its very own parent-baby group!?
You can join Michelle at the Vanier Richelieu Community Centre for 7 weeks of sharing and community! Bring your baby, a warm drink and we will get together for a cozy morning of sharing ideas around various weekly topics. Join her in covering life with baby aged 0-6 months, building new routines, and traditions, setting gently boundaries with loved ones, managing expectations from friends and family.
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Michelle has been facilitating parent and child programming for more than 10 years, and is a Postpartum Doula and parent to 5! Michelle's calm approach to gentle parenting and supportive care towards new parents will make this a wonderful, non-judgemental, safe group.

Register here for Tuesday mornings starting October 1, from 9:30am-11am. Cost is $150.?
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Infant Massage?
A hidden gem of a class. Infant Massage has been shown to reduce crying, help with gassy bellies, encourage sleep, and support parents in learning how to read their baby’s body language. Join Brandie for four weeks of warm class dynamics in the comfort of your home over Zoom (pyjamas welcome).  

Best for babies newborn to crawling, with hints on carrying massage into the years to come. ?

Register here for Monday Infant Massage starting September 9th, November 5th or January 8th.?
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Baby at the Table  ?
Is your baby getting ready to eat SOLIDS? Need support, ideas and up-to-date information? We've got you !!

Baby at the Table (commonly 4-7 months old). Class runs for four weeks.?
Understand the changing recommendations around feeding babies in the first year, even introducing the top allergenics. Leave feeling confident to offer your favourite meals to your baby. We will explain the ins & outs of baby-led weaning. Build and share recipe ideas while creating family traditions around the table.

Register here for classes starting Monday, September 9th, November 5th or January 8th. 

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CPR Classes

CPR Classes continue to refresh old skills and learn new ones. Join Erin for a CPR class that is more than just a webinar! Register here

We will lead you through an interactive format following the guidelines of Heart and Stroke. The session will address the gag reflex, normal behaviours when introducing solids and more!

• Home safety and injury prevention for babies and children
• Performing CPR on children and infants CPR
• Clearing airway obstructions in children and infants (choking)

Still waiting for the arrival of your baby?

Comfort Measures Class is a 3hr evening session that could be treated as date night <3 or as a refresher to go over ideas and techniques that can help us move through birth with more confidence, understanding, and ease. Brandie has been working as a Doula and providing birth support for 20 years - she will share tips and walk through relaxation practices.  

Register here for a fall session on September 12, October 10, or November 14

Finally, watch for our social media post where you can share a photo of your family participating in outdoor ideas for a chance to win some SWAG!?

OCEA Facebook and OCEA Instagram

Looking for some inspiration on new fall activities?

Apple picking - Ferme Dagenais for organic apples as well as a few animals to see and pet! www.fermedagenais.com

The pumpkin patch - La Ferme Proulx at proulxfarm.com or Saunders Farm

Outdoor farmer's markets - The Parkdale market in Hintonburg or Beechwood Market in Stanley park are lovely on Saturday mornings.

Sunflowers! - www.fermeagricola.com

With the shortage of Family Doctors in the province, a gentle reminder that if you or your baby are looking for vaccinations, you can visit a vaccination clinic at the City of Ottawa Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs Here

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OCEA continues to look for a new passionate group facilitator to join us! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Childbirth Educator, please reach out to us at birth@ottawacea.com