The following is a list of resources that you may find useful if you are planning on having a baby in Ottawa.
Pregnancy Care
Montfort Hospital
www.hopitalmontfort.com
613-746-4621, ext. 4909
713 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1K 0T2
Queensway-Carleton Hospital
www.qch.on.ca
613-721-2000
3045 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON, K2H 8P4
The Ottawa Hospital
www.ottawahospital.on.ca
613-722-7000
Civic Campus
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9
General Campus
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6
Centretown Community Health Centre
Centretown CHC Obstetrics
613-233-4697
420 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P 2N6
(delivery at The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on Carling Avenue)
Somerset West Community Health Centre
www.swchc.on.ca
613-238-1220
55 Eccles Street, Ottawa, ON, K1R 6S3
(delivery at The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus)
Ottawa Valley Midwives
www.ottawavalleymidwives.com
613-253-3148
1 Costello Drive, Unit 1, Carleton Place, ON, K7C 0B4
Hospital privileges at Queensway-Carleton Hospital
Ottawa South Midwives
www.ottawasouthmidwives.com
613-822-6646
osmidwives@gmail.com
4112 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON, K1T 3W1
Hospital privileges Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus and Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
Midwifery Group of Ottawa
www.midwiferygroupofottawa.com
613-729-9957
265 Carling Avenue, Suite 700, Ottawa, ON, K1S 2E1
Hospital privileges at Montfort Hospital and Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
Midwifery Collective of Ottawa
www.midwiferycollective.com
613-730-2323
info@midwiferycollective.com
297 Olmstead Street, Ottawa, ON, K1L 7J9
Hospital privileges at Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus and Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
East Ottawa Midwives
www.eastottawamidwives.com
613-590-1711
sages-femmes@bellnet.ca
2575 Innes Road, Ottawa, ON, K1B 3K1
Hospital privileges at Montfort Hospital and Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
Prenatal Tours & Information Sessions
Information Evening for Future Parents - Montfort Hospital
Women who plan to deliver at Montfort Hospital are invited to attend this information session around their 34th week of pregnancy. At this session a registered nurse gives you a virtual tour of the Family Birthing Centre, explains what you need to do to get ready and answers your questions about your hospital stay. You will also fill out hospital admission forms.
Virtual Hospital Tour - Queensway-Carleton Hospital
Virtual tours of the Outpatient Clinics, Childbirth Centre, and Mother & Baby Unit are available online here.
Prenatal Information Session - The Ottawa Hospital,
The Prenatal Information Session informs expecting parents on what to expect when they arrive at the hospital for the birth of their baby. The host will talk about medications, birth plans, epidurals, inductions, caesarean sections, labour support, etc. There will also be a slide show, showing pictures of the birthing unit, special care, triage, mother baby unit, operating rooms, etc. There is a question and answer period at the end of the presentation.
Prenatal Resources
Information Line - Ottawa Public Health
613-580-6744, ext. 28020
A Public Health Nurse at Ottawa Public Health is available to answer questions about health issues and community resources from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Prenatal Classes - Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health offers prenatal classes at multiple locations throughout the city. Topics covered include healthy pregnancy, labour and birth, and bringing baby home. They also offer a specific class series in chinese and for young parents up to 25 years of age. The Ottawa Public Health Unit also offers Pregnancy Circles for expectant parents in extra need of support. Please call the health unit for more information and to register.
Prenatal Classes - Ottawa Childbirth Education Association
Class Information 613-852-2207
The Ottawa Childbirth Education Association welcomes women who have chosen midwifery care, obstetrical care or family practitioners and are planning to deliver theur babies at any Ottawa or surrounding hospital or at home. Information is presented in a variety of methods including videos, hands on practice, small group discussion and relaxation exercises. Topics covered include your birth support team, stages of labour, options for pain relief, possible interventions, post birth recovery and breastfeeding. Classses are also availabel for families expecting multiples. It is suggested that classes are taken between 20 and 26 weeks. Class size is limited to a maximum of 8 couples. Registration is available online.
Childbirth Education - Mothercraft
Class Information 613-728-1839, ext. 289
For more than 60 years, Mothercraft Ottawa childbirth education classes have helped parents gain confidence as they approach the birth of a child. Our Prenatal Education offers a comprehensive overview of prenatal, birth and postpartum choices based on best practices and recommendations made by Health Canada, the Canadian Pediatric Society and other credible sources.
If you have any questions, please contact Genevieve Chabot at 613-728-1839 ext. 289.
Birth Companion Program - Mothercraft
Trained volunteers provide information, advocacy, resources and companionship to women-in-need through pregnancy, birth, and in early parenting. Birth Companions can help expectant mothers to prepare for the birth of their baby, and gain the resources they will need to ensure baby is well cared for, nourished and has the required supplies. Birth Companions may also provide or connect expectant mothers with prenatal education and breastfeeding support. Above all, Birth Companions provide unwavering support to women in the most transformative period in their lives.
Ottawa Breastfeeds
Ottawa Breastfeeds was created to help provide Ottawa and regional families with easy access to information about the many sources of breastfeeding support. It also serves to enhance a breastfeeding friendly community by providing breastfeeding curriculum for teachers, information for businesses to support breastfeeding mothers, and information for breastfeeding mothers regarding a supportive workplace.
CPR Course - Ottawa Childbirth Education Association
Course Information 613-860-2061
This 3 hour course covers aspects of infant, child and adult CPR. Topics covered include recgonition of cardiac and respiratory arrest, home safety and injury prevention, performing CPR and the Heimlich. Classes are a level A certification level. Registration is available online.
Cord Blood Banking
http://cordbloodbanking.com 1-888-780-2885
Stem cells in your baby's umbilical cord blood can replace damaged cells inside the body. These new cells repair wounds, restore lost brain functions and increase healthy blood count. Medical experts discover new treatments every year, which means stored cord blood will become more valuable over time. Go to cordbloodbanking.com for the latest up-to-date information and free resources for expecting parents.
Obstetrics Ottawa
Centretown CHC Obstetrics 613-233-4443
Obstetrics Ottawa serves all regions with a referral from a family doctor or walk in clinic doctor. Patients who live in Centretown Glebe or Ottawa South can self refer if they do not have a doctor.
Services include prenatal and intrapartum care, lactation support services, prenatal classes. We work with Doulas and Birth Companions. Counselling is also available for mental health concerns in pregnancy.
Multiple Birth Families Association - Ottawa and Gatineau
The MBFA is one of the largest multiple births associations in the country. The geographical region served includes Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Their association began in 1961 and is staffed entirely by volunteers who provide many support services and social activities for members. Currently there are more than 400 multi-members - all families of twins, triplets, quadruplets, or families expecting multiples. If you would like to learn more please visit their website.
Postpartum Resources
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children - Ottawa Public Health
The Healthy Babies, Health Children program is for expectant parents and parents of young children from birth to six years. A Public Health Nurse of a family visitor may support you when your baby comes home, help connect you with community resources, or provide you ongoing guidance on parenting, feeding, and caring for your child. Please call for more information on the program and register.
Mom and Baby Clinic - Queensway-Carleton Hospital
The Queensway Carleton Hospital is pleased to offer our families the services of a drop-in clinic for mom and baby. QCH patients may return to the hospital within the first three weeks after discharge. The clinic nurses will provide encouragement and support for breastfeeding, and ongoing teaching of newborn care and self care. You will need to register at the Registration/Reception Desk at the Main Entrance of the hospital before seeing the nurse. Make sure to bring your hospital blue cards (your baby’s and your own) and your Provincial Health Card with you for your clinic visit. Clinics are held 7 days per week from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Drop-Ins - Ottawa Public Health
The Baby Express Drop-In centres welcome babies up to 1 year old. Meet other parents and talk with a Public Health Nurse. The nurse can provide breastfeeding support, weigh your baby, and can provide information about: feeding your baby, taking care of yourself, what to expect as your baby grows, keeping your baby safe, and community programs. You do not need an appointment. Follow the link above for more information regarding drop-in locations and times in your community.
Breastfeeding Support Drop-Ins - Ottawa Public Health
Free breastfeeding support drop-ins are offered throughout Ottawa. Follow the link above for drop-in times and locations.
Breastfeeding Support - Queensway-Carleton Hospital
Jaundice Out-Patient Clinic - Queensway-Carleton Hospital
This clinic provides follow-up care for newborns with jaundice or babies that may need an assessment by a healthcare provider. The clinic is available 7 days per week to those who have been referred by a physician or midwife, and is by appointment only.
Parent Companions - Mothercraft
Parent Companions provide understanding, support and encouragement to the parents they are matched to. As experienced parents and trained volunteers, Parent Companions can provide high quality information about child development, positive parenting practices, behaviour management, stress management and resources to help families meet their personal and domestic needs. As mentors, they form a strong, personal connection with the family they support for a mutually rewarding experience.
Somerset West Community Health Centre
www.swchc.on.ca 613-238-1220
Well Baby/Breastfeeding Support Drop-In
Weekly education and support to parents of babies up to 24 months of age. Advice on breastfeeding, nutrition, safety & infant development are available from several professionals including a lactation consultant, dietitian, nurse and parent educator. Program runs on Wednesdays from 1:30-3:00 pm. For more info call Bonnie at 613-238-1220 ext. 2352.
Parenting Support Services
Programs are offered to parents, caregivers and their children 0-6 years old. Services include referrals, home visits, toy library, information on child development & many other available resources. For more info call Kim at 613-238-8210 ext. 2504. English & Chinese parenting programs are available.
The Ontario Early Years Centres
EarlyON Centres are a place for children up to the age of six and their parents and caregivers to take part in programs and activities together. They bring together in one location information about children's services and programs in the community. If you have questions about your child's development, or want to know how to get information or services for your child aged 0-6 in your area contact your local centre.
Additional Resources
Quit Smoking Resources - Ottawa Public Health
The Ottawa Public Health Unit offers a number of resources to help you quit smoking. Resources available include; group sessions, individual services and drop-in support groups. Follow the link above or call the health unit for more information.
S.E.A.T.S. for Kids
This non-profit organization is dedicated to increasing the appropriate and correct use of child restraint systems in Ottawa. They offer a variety of services including; car sear inspection clinics, nationally recognized certification sources, information sessions, seminars, and appearances at community events. Follow the link above for more information.
Ottawa Recreation
The City of Ottawa offers a number of pre and postnatal fitness classes. Class details can be found in the Fitness and Wellness Program Guide that can be found by following the above link.
Ottawa Walking Clubs
Walking is a great way to help you feel better, live better and be healthier. It is an activity that you can enjoy year round. There are many walking clubs that offer non-competitive walks, which provide benefits in the areas of physical fitness, social activity and health. Follow the above link to find a walking club in your community.
Roger Neilson House
Roger Neilson House works with partners to provide a comprehensive continuum of pediatric palliative care services focussed on the needs of the child and family, so that families have access to the services they need in a timely way. In addition, they have many bereavement supports specific to perinatal loss that women and families within the community can access.
24 Hour Distress Line - Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
Program Information 613-238-3311
The line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by trained staff and volunteers. When needed this bilingual service provides screening, assessment, referrals, support in a crisis, suicide intervention, and transfer to the crisis team or emergency medical services.