OTTAWA CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Ottawa Baby Class for Grandparents & Supporters | It Takes a Village

A welcoming online class for grandparents, aunts, uncles, close friends, and anyone who will play an important role in supporting a new family.

As our parenting values of unconditional love, understanding, and intention remain, the tools available to us have changed, family work-life balance is different, and new ways to support attachment and infant mental health have been introduced.

We share what’s changed over the last 30 years. You’ll leave with practical strategies to grow the village of support for those you love.

Meet Our Team →

WHAT TO EXPECT

An Expert-Led Baby Class for Grandparents & Supporters

Our It Takes a Village class is offered over three evenings. It is practical and designed to fit into your schedule. Join from anywhere in Canada alongside other grandparents and supporters who want to support a growing family.

CURRICULUM

What You'll Learn in the It Takes a Village Class

A lot has changed in the last 30 years, from newborn sleep recommendations to car seat safety to our understanding of infant attachment. This class brings you up to speed on everything, so you can support those you love and their new baby with confidence.

Current newborn sleep recommendations and safe sleep guidelines
Car seat use and safety; what's changed and why it matters
Babywearing; the benefits and how to support parents who use it
Current infant feeding recommendations, including breastfeeding support
Infant Mental Health: what it is and why it shapes modern parenting
Skin-to-skin contact and the science of attachment
How to offer practical support to a new family, even during cold and flu season
Setting gentle, loving boundaries that respect the new parents' choices
How to use technology to stay connected to your grandchild
Understanding today's parenting values and approaches

“Freedom of Choice Based on a Knowledge of Alternatives.”

~ OCEA’s Founding Principle, 1974

IS THIS FOR YOU?

It Takes a Village is a Good Fit If You:

Are a grandparent-to-be who wants to support your growing family
Are an aunt, uncle, close friend, or chosen family member of an expectant parent
Want to understand how newborn care has changed since you last had a baby in your life
Are navigating a new dynamic with your adult child and want to get it right from the start
Want to offer support that truly reflects the new family's values and choices
Live outside Ottawa and need a quality online class available anywhere across Canada
Want to strengthen your relationship with new parents

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Why Choose OCEA for Your Grandparents & Supporters Baby Class?

OCEA has helped generations of Ottawa families feel prepared, informed, and confident for parenthood for over 50 years – and a lot has changed over time.

Our approach is simple: we give you up-to-date information so you can support those you love and make the decisions that are right for you.

Bridging Generations

This class is about updating your knowledge with warmth and respect. We know a lot has changed, and we hope this class will be helpful.

Building Community

Our classes are kept small, which means every question is answered. Often, grandparents and supporters meet others at the same stage, and new relationships grow from there.

Evidence-based and practical.

Everything we cover is grounded in current research on infant health, attachment, and safe newborn care.

We Know Ottawa

Our instructors know the local landscape and can point you toward community resources and supports available to Ottawa families and supporters.

Frequently Asked Questions About the It Takes a Village Class

WHAT IS THE IT TAKES A VILLAGE CLASS AND WHO IS IT FOR?

The It Takes a Village class is OCEA’s grandparents-and-supporters class. It is a practical, evidence-based online session designed for anyone who will play a meaningful role in a new family’s life, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, close friends, neighbours, and chosen family. The class covers how newborn care, infant feeding, and safe sleep recommendations have evolved over the last few decades and gives you the tools to support the new parents in your life in ways that are helpful, respectful, and welcoming.

WHY SHOULD GRANDPARENTS TAKE A NEWBORN CLASS?

Safe sleep guidelines, car seat standards, feeding recommendations, and our understanding of infant attachment have all evolved significantly in the last 30 years. This class provides supporters with the most up-to-date information so you can feel confident and capable.

HOW IS THIS CLASS DIFFERENT FROM THE PRENATAL OR BRINGING BABY HOME CLASS?

The Prenatal and Bringing Baby Home classes are designed for expectant parents. They cover birth, newborn care, and the early weeks of parenthood from the parents’ perspective.

It Takes a Village is specifically designed for the people around them: the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends who want to support. The focus is on understanding modern parenting approaches, knowing what’s changed, and showing up in ways that strengthen the new family dynamic.

HOW MUCH DOES THE CLASS COST?

The It Takes a Village class is $125 CAD (+HST) per couple or pair. That means one registration covers you and one other person, whether that’s your partner, a fellow grandparent, a sibling, or a close friend. Everyone who wants to be part of the village is welcome.

WHEN SHOULD WE TAKE THIS CLASS?

Ideally, somewhere in the expectant parent’s third trimester, before the baby arrives, is a great time. That gives you the chance to have conversations with the new parents before things get busy, and to show up on day one already aligned. That said, it’s never too late. If the baby is already here and you want to catch up, come join us!

WHAT IS THE ONLINE CLASS EXPERIENCE LIKE?

The It Takes a Village class is offered entirely online via Zoom. It’s interactive and welcoming. Our instructors create a space where questions are encouraged, even the ones you might feel awkward asking. Classes are kept small so everyone has room to participate. We ask that all participants keep their video on, as it makes for a much warmer, more connected experience.

CAN I TAKE THIS CLASS IF I'M NOT IN OTTAWA?

Yes. Because the class is entirely online, it’s open to grandparents and supporters anywhere across Canada. Whether you live down the street from the new family or across the country, you’ll get the same experience and the same practical guidance.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

If you need to cancel, a $25 (CAD) administration fee applies from the time of booking. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the class are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the class are non-refundable. If you need to change your date within 7 days of the class, a $75 fee applies. If something unexpected comes up, please reach out. We’re always happy to talk through your options.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

OCEA Testimonials

★★★★★

“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.”

OTTAWA

★★★★★

“Loved my experience with OCEA, well informed, well spoken, and made me feel very comfortable asking all the dumb questions. I felt understood, respected, and that my questions were valuable! Super informative and enjoyable experience.”

FROM A GRATEFUL 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.”

CANADIAN PARTICIPANTS