Virtual Prenatal Class and Prenatal Services

Self-directed virtual prenatal class

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

Each theme is formatted the same way:

  • Objectives
  • Reading/Video
  • Reflection
    • To help guide your reading and attract your attention on key points. 
  • Added resources
    • Finally, we listed extra online resources and useful phone numbers.

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?

Additional Resources:

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: 

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:

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:  

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:

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

Community Prenatal Services

Explore prenatal services to find the care, support, and information you need for a healthy pregnancy.

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

Free Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshops: 
  • Offered in person and virtually
  • Facilitated by a registered nurse/International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
  • For more information and to register, please visit: Pre- and Postnatal Health
Free Preparing for Parenting Workshops: 
  • Offered virtually on Zoom 
  • Facilitated by a registered nurse/International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant 
  • For more information and to register, please visit: Pre- and Postnatal Health
Free Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group (CPNP): 
  • Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program 
  • Facilitated by a Parent Support Worker, RN/IBCLC and registered dietician 
  • For more information and to register please visit Pre- and Postnatal Health
Free Prenatal Breastfeeding Support: 
  • Offered by telephone and in person with a registered nurse/International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant  
  • Can be booked prenatally (when still pregnant) to review concerns or postpartum (once baby is born), from birth to weaning 
  • For more information and to register, please visit Pre- and Postnatal Health
Feeding Foundations - Breastfeeding Your Baby with Confidence from the Start:
  • FREE weekly virtual group for breastfeeding parents 36 weeks pregnant and above
  • For more information and to register please visit Pre- and Postnatal Health

 

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