Thinking of having a baby and wondering about breastfeeding?
Do you want to include breastfeeding in your birth plan?
We trust the information you’ll find through these resources will help you prepare for a rewarding breastfeeding experience.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed our babies AND it is also a learned skill for both mother and baby. Being informed and establishing support systems before your baby arrives is an important part of setting yourself up for breastfeeding success.
Below, the options are a mix of breastfeeding specific classes, full prenatal classes with a breastfeeding component, some in person, some live-virtual, one online take-at-your-own pace. Some options below have a fee, and some do not. Read carefully. Fortunately, parents have many options.
Canadian Mothercraft
Mothercraft publishes a PDF schedule of their programs and workshops each month. Eventbrite registration links are provided on the PDF. You can find the latest monthly schedule at the following page: https://mothercraft.com/venues/ontario-early-years-centre/
Relevant prenatal programs that are typically offered are:
- Virtual Breastfeeding 101 Workshop:
Learn the basics of infant feeding and how to get off to a good start and feel confident feeding your baby.
NO FEE. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mothercraft-earlyon-virtual-breastfeeding-101-tickets-165408755039 - Prenatal Class: focus on birth and the immediate postpartum
One day, 6 hour class
FEE. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mothercraft-ottawa-virtual-prenatal-classes-tickets-91264802481 - Baby’s Here, Now What?
One day, 4 hour class with a feeding component
FEE. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mothercraft-ottawa-babys-here-now-what-virtual-workshop-tickets-99565585346
Canadian Perinatal Nutrition Program for young mothers or mothers with various needs to connect with each other, learn to cook, eat, take some food home, and learn about your baby.
NO FEE. Contact 613-749-2491
Community Health Centres Breastfeeding Info Sessions
Offered in cooperation by Pinecrest-Queensway CHC, Southeast Ottawa CHC and Carlington CHC.
Register via Eventbrite, 2 Hours, NO FEE
Carlington Community Health Centre
Perinatal Parent Support Program: Supported from the Start
From the moment you know you are pregnant until six months postpartum this program has you covered.
- Pregnant in Ottawa
Free Online virtual prenatal classes, NO FEE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/276611943899450/ - Ottawa Prenatal, Breastfeeding and Parent Support Facebook Group:
NO FEE, https://www.facebook.com/groups/820563608421841/
From 25 weeks pregnant until six months postpartum, this program meets weekly and answers all of your new parent questions. With sessions such as sleep; crying; baby wearing and safety as well as managing anxiety and depression for new and expectant parents. Free one on one support offered as needed. No Facebook? No problem….email gszollos@carlingtonchc.org - Virtual Q&A with a Lactation Consultant
NO FEE – Zoom registration link here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vce-vpjorEtad4I3RZhVT1iCMLijRv8Ir
For pregnant and lactating parents. Breastfeeding support facilitated by Janice Sullivan, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Bring your questions or just listen and learn about the realities of breastfeeding and learn about supports in the community. Tuesdays 4-5pm - MAP (Managing Anxiety for New and Expectant Parents)
NO FEE Ongoing every three months join here to register https://www.facebook.com/groups/820563608421841/ For more info about any of the above programming Phone 613-722-4000 ext. 203 | Fax 613-761-1805 or email gszollos@carlingtonchc.org
Independent Practice Lactation Consultants
Private prenatal breastfeeding support & teaching.
Many independent lactation consultants offer private prenatal breastfeeding support. This is an excellent option if you prefer to have a consultation one-on-one. If you have struggled with breastfeeding issues in the past, or if your medical history puts you at increased risk of breastfeeding challenges (for example, previous breast surgery, premature baby, multiples etc.).
Offered by: Ginette Bertrand, Lyne Lacroix, Sonya Boersma, Beth McMillan, Britt Pegan, Sue Theriault Valin, Susan Wheat, Tobi-Lynn Bayarova, Trish Toompuu, Diane Lagace, Janice Sullivan.
FEE. Contact individually here.
La Leche League
Multiple prenatal sessions and postpartum support groups
https://www.lllc.ca/virtual-meetings-calendar
La Leche League Canada (LLLC) has numerous meetings throughout Ottawa, and pregnant women are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings with trained peer leaders.
NO FEE. Details at: the warmline 613-238-5919.
Lactation Care
Breastfeeding With Confidence: Getting Ready Prenatally online, take-at-your-own-pace prenatal breastfeeding course.
For pregnant parents wanting to be better prepared, this includes two hours of bite-sized videos, a handout with extra resources, a comprehensive Breastfeeding Plan, and Bonus videos. Includes topics not normally taught in prenatal. Six months access so can refer back after delivery.
Presented by Sonya Boersma, MScN, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
FEE. Register at: https://courses.lactationcare.ca/course/prenatal-breastfeeding
Monarch Centre
Babies First Week: Parenting & Breastfeeding Workshop
Offered monthly, 2-hour class
FEE. Register at: 613-691-2578 or
http://www.monarchcentre.ca/our-classes/
** Monarch Pre-natal classes are on hold until further notice **
Ottawa Childbirth Education Association
1) Prenatal Classes includes breastfeeding
2) Bringing Baby Home includes breastfeeding
FEE. Register at: https://ottawacea.com/pre_natal or https://ottawacea.com/baby_home
Ottawa Public Health
Prenatal video series; virtual classes
NO FEE.
https://www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/becoming-a-parent-and-pregnancy/Prenatal-Classes.aspx
Ontario Breastfeeding Clinic
Offers prenatal classes with costs partially covered by OHIP. Referral required from doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner. Private classes with no referral also available.
https://ontariobreastfeedingclinic.ca/
Rooted Family Wellness Centre
1) Prenatal Classes “Preparing for Baby” includes breastfeeding
FEE. Register at: http://www.rootedfamily.ca/class-categories/prenatal
For those providing breastfeeding support services, please send your updates to info@ottawabreastfeeds.ca