Virtual Prenatal Class

Here are some of the prenatal educational services available in the community.

Prenatal Community Services

 Carlington Community Health Centre

Pregnant in Ottawa:  Free, Live, Online Prenatal Classes

This facebook group is open to all Ottawa residents who are pregnant and / or are delivering in our region join as soon as you know you are pregnant.  You can also email gszollos@carlington.ochc.org for the zoom links.

Ottawa Prenatal, Breastfeeding and Parent support

This facebook group is open to all Ottawa residents who are pregnant or parenting a child under 6 months.

  • 0-2 month old parenting session every Tuesday at noon, click here 
  • 2- 6 months every Tuesday at 2:30 pm, click here 

Prenatal Breastfeeding Information Sessions
 Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre 

Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop

OPH recognizes the importance of prenatal education for expectant parents in Ottawa so we organized this page to provide you with information and resources we think can be useful during this period.   

The information is arranged in three main themes: 

  • Birth Basics
  • Breastfeeding Basics
  • Baby Basics

For each theme, you have the opportunity to speak with a public health nurse.  Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm you can call the Ottawa Public Health Information Centre (OPHIC) at 613-580-6744 or 613-PARENTS (613-727-3687) and ask your questions.

Each theme is formatted the same way:

  • Objectives
  • Reading
  • Reflection
    • To help guide your reading and attract your attention on key points. 
  • Added resources
    • Finally, we listed extra on-line resources and useful phone numbers.
 Birth Basics
 Objectives:
  • How to prepare for labour and birth. 
  • The four stages of labour. 
  • How to time contractions. 
  • When to go to the hospital/birthing centre and/or when to call the midwife. 
  • Comfort measures in labor (positions, medications,…)

 Reading:

Reflection:

  • When is it important for you to go to the hospital or call the midwife?
  • What is your goal for the birth?
  • What comfort measures have you tried before?
  • What comfort measures do you see yourself trying? Which ones do you think won’t work for you?
  • What positions do you think will be helpful for pushing?

Added resources 

Online:  

  • Mother To Baby: Mother To Baby, is a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).  The fact sheets provides information about medication and pregnancy/breastfeeding.  The telephone line is not available to Canadians.

Phone:  

  • Health811: Call 8-1-1 to connect with a registered nurse for free, secure and confidential health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 Breastfeeding Basics

Objectives:

  • Importance of breastfeeding, skin‐to‐skin and colostrum. 
  • Risks of not breastfeeding for mother and baby. 
  • Current recommendation for breastfeeding duration. 
  • Baby‐led latching and cue‐based feeding. 
  • Steps for hand expression of breastmilk. 
  • Proper position and latch and signs of adequate milk intake. 
  • Partner support and community resources. 

Reading/Video: 

Reflection:

  • If you plan to breastfeed, why do you want to breastfeed?
  • How long do you plan to breastfeed? 
  • Where can you get help? 
  • Which position do you think would work best for you?

Added resources 

Online:  

  • Mother To Baby: Mother To Baby, is a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).  The fact sheets provides information about medication and pregnancy/breastfeeding.  The telephone line is not available to Canadians.

Phone:

  • Health811: Call 8-1-1 to connect with a registered nurse for free, secure and confidential health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • LLLC (La Leche League Canada) Ottawa : 613-238-5919
 Baby Basics
 Objectives:
  • Some typical newborn characteristics 
  • Common newborn care after the birth
  • Types of routine newborn screening offered to parents
  • Important tips for car seat, crib, and sleep safety
  • Reasons why babies cry, soothing strategies and the dangers of shaken baby syndrome
  • Signs that may indicate your baby is ill
  • The importance of healthy attachment and ways to promote it
  • Where to get more information

Reading/Video:  

Reflection:

  • If your baby is crying, is it ok to pick her up?
  • Do you know where to go for help if you have a question?
  • Do you know when to go to the hospital if your baby is sick?
  • If your baby falls asleep in the car seat, is it ok to leave them there?

Added resources 

Online:  

Phone:  

  • Health811: Call 8-1-1 to connect with a registered nurse for free, secure and confidential health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Ottawa Distress Centre: 613-238-3311
  • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566


 

 

 

 

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