Virtual Prenatal Class and Prenatal Services

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:

• Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy: PHAC, 2021
• Pregnancyinfo.ca: is an evidence-based website about pregnancy and childbirth. It is an initiative of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. 

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?

Additional Resources:

• Ottawa Public Health's Pregnancy and Parenting Videos
• Oxytocin: To Help Start or Speed Up Your Labour: PCMCH, 2019
• From Tiny Tot to Toddler: From the Institut de Santé publique du Québec.
• Canadian Blood Services: Cord blood donation information
• OMama - Early Pregnancy

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.

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. 

Video: 

• Natural Breastfeeding Position : Nancy Mohrbacher, 2014

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?

Additional resources:

• Ottawa Public Health - Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
• From Tiny Tot to Toddler:  From the Institut de Santé publique du Québec. 
• Breastfeeding videos : Region of Waterloo Public health
• Hand Expression of Breastmilk : Stanford Medicine, 2006
• OMama - Chest/Breastfeeding

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.

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:  

• Pregnancy and Parenting Videos - Ottawa Public Health
• Baby Passenger Safety and Car Seats - Ottawa Public Health
• Safe Sleep - Public Health Agency of Canada (video)
• Fever: What You Need to Know - CHEO (PDF)

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?

Additional resources:

• From Tiny Tot to Toddler: From the Institut de Santé publique du Québec.
• Love Builds Brains
• Vitamin D: Canadian Paediatric Society
• Immunization: Electronic vaccination record
• Circumcision:  Canadian Paediatric Society
• Ontario Poison Centre

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

Carlington CHC offers ongoing support from the moment you know you are pregnant until 6 months after your baby is born. Their Perinatal Parent Support Program supports all Ottawa Residents with free services including prenatal classes, parent support classes, breastfeeding support (before and after birth), mental health support and one-on-one individualized support. 

For a full list of Carlington's programming for expectant and new parents: Perinatal Parent Support Program: Supported From The Start