Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre
2260 Walkley Road K1G 6A8 Ottawa, ON, Canada

If you are currently under midwifery care and are considering a Birth Centre Birth, please join us for our Virtual Tours at noon on Friday’s via Zoom. To register, please use the follow link https://bit.ly/3tNcYnL or email us at [email protected] We look forward to showing you around our beautiful space!

Happy 7th Birthday to the first baby born at the Ottawa Birth Centre! Seven years later and we have had the honour of 1648 babies being born at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre. We look forward to many more births and to celebrating with you all! We will be hosting a week of virtual events March 1st-5th, stayed tuned for the schedule! Bonne Fête au premier bébé née au Centre de Naissance! Sept ans plus tard et nous avons le privilège d’avoir vu venir au monde 1648 bébés! Nous avons hâte a beaucoup d’autre naissaince au Centre et de célébrer avec vous. Nous vous invitons à des évenements virtuelle qui aurons lieu du 1er au 5 mars. Restez a l’affût pour connaitre l’horaire!

We would like to recognize and celebrate the work of black midwives, leaders, researchers, and activists who have strengthened Ontario health care! We celebrate #BlackMidwives this #BlackHistoryMonth and always. https://www.cbc.ca//diversity-midwives-black-ottawa-1.5836

In light of #bellletstalk today ,here is an article about Giving Birth During the Pandemic and how some have experienced giving birth during this challenging time. https://capitalcurrent.ca/giving-birth-during-the-pandemic/

Osteopathic care for Newborns, conference by Maryse Parkinson Tassé, DO(MP)

Comprendre et Guérir les traumatismes de l'accouchement

Understanding and Healing Birth Trauma with Christiane Laflèche

Please Join us on December 16th in donating New Items to Cornerstone Housing for Women or aiding if you can with a monetary donation by visiting https://www.cornerstonewomen.ca/make-a-difference/donate With so many great organizations doing important work in our community, we encourage you to find one that speaks to you and give what you can. #everybitcounts #spiritofgiving

Please Join us in welcoming our Community Placement Student! Evelyne is a midwifery student at Ryerson University. Before her transition to midwifery, Evelyne was an environmental engineer. She worked for many years in municipal infrastructure development, especially in transportation, housing and water resources. Evelyne is a committed advocate for environmental justice and public health. We look forward to having her as part of our team for the next month!

Join us on Thursday December 10th from 10am to 11am for a live presentation on "Understanding and Healing Birth Trauma" with Christiane Laflèche, MSW, RSW in Collaboration with Women's Mental Health at The Royal Ottawa

Soyez des nôtres Jeudi le 10 decembre de 13h à 14h pour une présentation en direct sur facebook sur "Comprendres et Guérir les traumatismes de l'accouchement" par Christiane Laflèche MSW, RSW, en collaboration avec Le Royale Ottawa Santé mentale.

Join Jennifer Gillean In a yoga class series designed for those trying to conceive.

Today is the last day of National Infection Control Week! Steph is the newest addition to the team of Birth Centre Aides. She is wearing mask and goggles as is required by all health care providers in the facility during the COVID pandemic. When you are here you will see our BCA’s and midwives wearing both a mask and goggles to protect themselves from infection and decrease the risk of transmission to our clients, visitors and their families. Steph is standing in front of one of the many posters that are up to remind everyone visiting the birth centre to wear a mask. To protect our staff and others using the facility we do require all visitors to wear a mask whenever they are in the Birth Centre. Stay safe this weekend everyone! #ipac #nicw #BEYONDTHEHORIZON IPAC Canada Ontario Midwives

Let's talk equipment! Here is our BCA Sarah in our equipment room. All equipment and surfaces undergo a two step process. First is cleaning which is the removal of microorganisms and debris from a surface or object using friction and a cleaning agent. The next step is disinfecting which is a process that is used to kill disease-causing microorganisms. The routine and effective cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, items, and equipment is an essential activity performed by our BCAs that protects clients, staff, and visitors to our centre! Did you have a favourite piece of equipment for your labour? Or are you looking forward to trying something out for your time here? #ipac #Nicw #BEYONDTHEHORIZON IPAC Canada

We're half way through National Infection Control Week! Our Clinical Lead Midwife, Suzanne, is holding our brand new birth stool. This stool is one piece of hard plastic and it's easier to clean and disinfect than some of the previous stools we've had. This stool can be helpful in labour because when a labouring client sits on it, their legs are flexed making more room in the pelvis. The client's upright position on the stool also helps use gravity to promote downward movement of the baby. Did you know that Suzanne is the only midwife in Canada who is Certified in Infection Control with the Board of Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIBC)? Do you have any questions for our 'Queen of Clean' about our infection prevention and control procedures ? We'd love to hear them! #ipac #nicw #cibc

Today, for National Infection Control Week, we're talking about tubs! The birth tubs are incredibly popular in our centre - 70% of clients use the tubs for pain relief in labour and 30% of clients give birth in the tubs. For this reason, we have rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures after each admission. This is Ayla, one of the Birth Centre Aides, performing a tub clean. Notice the time on the clock! BCAs clean birth rooms no matter the time of day (or night)! #ipac #Nicw IPAC Canada Ontario Midwives

University of Ottawa Volunteers needed/ Bénévole recherché pour lUniversité dOttawa

October 19th to 23rd is National Infection Control Week. This week originated to highlight infection control efforts in health care facilities and the community. This week, we will focus on the invisible but essential work our staff at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre do everyday to create a safe environment for you, our clients. Let's talk about terminal cleans! When you leave a room after a birth, every surface and every item is cleaned and disinfected by the Birth Ce...ntre Aide. If an item can’t be cleaned and disinfected, it is thrown out. A terminal clean is a thorough clean and disinfection to prepare the room for the next client with the goal of protecting you and your family from infection. This is Erica, our Head Birth Centre Aide, cleaning, inspecting, and disinfecting every single item from the armoire where our clinical supplies and equipment are kept. Tune in throughout the week for more sneak peaks into our infection control procedures! #NICW #IPAC #BEYONDTHEHORIZON IPAC Canada Ontario Midwives

Our next Choice of Birthplace is coming up on Monday, Sept 21st! If you have had a Birth Centre Birth, and would like to share your experience with your peers, send us an email at [email protected] If you aren't available for this month, but would be interested in the future, let us know that as well!

The Royal and Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) will be partnering on an informative Facebook Live session about COVID-19 and the intersection with Violence and Women's Mental Health, on Sept 23rd! We hope you can join in if this topic interests you.

https://www.facebook.com/LLYoga/videos/2075267552603967/

Joignez-vous à nous pour une séance en direct avec Accès des doulas communautaires! Cette séance sera en français avec les Doulas Erin Kusungu et Deirdre Bain. La session couvrira : 1 - Quel est le rôle d'un Doula dans la période Post-partum? 2 - Comment un doula postpartum peut-il être bénéfique et avoir une incidence sur le bien-être postpartum? 3 - Comment les familles de la collectivité peuvent-elles avoir accès à des soins post-partum avec lADC?... 4 - Discutez de la façon dont les obstacles systémiques et linégalité peuvent avoir un impact négatif sur le bien-être dans la période Post-partum. 5 - Expliquer le modèle de lACD et la façon dont nous recueillons des fonds pour rémunérer les doulas postpartum professionnels. 6 - Comment les autres peuvent-ils appuyer cette initiative et faire des dons? 7 - Témoignages de famille 8 - Période de questions et réponses See more

Please join us tomorrow, at 6:30pm, here on Facebook. We will be speaking with Jen Gillean about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. The presentation will be followed by lighting a candle in remembrance of these losses at 7pm.

Join us for a Live session with Community Access Doulas! This session will be in English with our host Nancy Kennedy from the Royal and Doulas Christine Crook and Stephanie Bradford. The session will cover: 1 - What is the role of the Postpartum Doula? 2 - How can a Postpartum Doula benefit and impact postpartum wellness? 3 - How can families in the community access postpartum care with CDA?... 4 - Discuss how systemic barriers and inequality can have a negative impact on postpartum wellbeing. 5 - Explain the CDA model, and how we fundraise to compensate professional postpartum doulas. 6 - How can others support and donate to this initiative? 7 - Family Testimonials 8 - Question and Answer period More info: [email protected] Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-doula-access-project

Peer Facilitated Groups for Women offered by The Royal

Your stories will help improve professional lactation support at CHEO!

In Canada, we celebrate National Breastfeeding Week from October 1st to 7th each year. This year's theme is "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet''. Let's help raise awareness about the vital importance of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in our communities. Au Canada, ont célèbrent la Semaine Mondiale de l'allaitment chaque année du 1er au 7 octobre. Cette année sous le thème "Soutenir l’allaitement maternel pour une planète en meilleure santé" Dans cet esprit ont vous appellent a protèger et a promouvoir l’accès des femmes à des conseils qualifiés en matière d’allaitement maternel. https://www.lllc.ca/news/world-breastfeeding-week #WBW2020

We can't be together in person at the Pride Parade like last year but we're still celebrating #FierteCapPride this week! There are some amazing virtual events put on by Capital Pride Fierté dans la Capitale so that we can all celebrate safely #whereeverweare. How are you celebrating love this weekend? #Ottawapride #loveislove

The Holistic Birth Program by Natalie Edward

We will be running for women's mental health, and in support of the work done at The Royal Mental Health Centre! Our partnership has been instrumental in supporting the perinatal mental health needs of our community. We would love for you to join our team for a virtual run/walk on September 27th, or donate to this wonderful cause! (Did we mention, the swag bag has over $100 worth of goodies from Shoppers Drug Mart?!) http://run.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General

Are you calm under pressure, with strong organizational skills and an interest in providing support to midwives throughout births? If so, this may be the job for you! Check out our website for a detailed job description - bilingualism essential. If interested, please submit a cover letter and CV to [email protected].

Curious about your birthplace options? Register for our next virtual Choice of Birthplace session to hear from peers with experiences at home, hospital, and our own OBWC! You can register for the next session here: https://bit.ly/3l73C2a

Please consider sharing your voice by completing this survey! https://respcct.ca/ ________________________________________________________________... Very little is known about how people experience care during pregnancy and childbirth across Canada, especially among people with various identities, circumstances and backgrounds. Differences in experiences and outcomes across communities may be linked to access to care, their individual health status, and/or how they are treated. We do not know for sure, and there is very little research that has asked community members to decide on what is most important to study and understand. In the RESPCCT study, a diverse group of people who had recent pregnancy experiences created or chose the questions to ask. They worked with researchers and community-based organizations to develop this survey, and to reach people across Canada who want to tell their stories of pregnancy and childbearing. Information gathered in the surveys will be used to improve childbearing care for all types of communities.

Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Insights from Participants' Experiences with Mothercraft Ottawa's Community Based Postpartum Support Program: WHEN: Monday, July 27 10:00-12:30am... Objective of the Event: Sharing the findings of our study to seek input for improving our postpartum support program. Co-create best practices for community based postpartum support programming REGISTER IN ADVANCE HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mothercraft-postpartum-support-

[Version française ci-dessous] We have some very exciting news to share! Effective Friday, June 26, we are able to open up the birth rooms to accommodate up to 6 people per admission. Included in this number are the birthing person, the birth partner, two midwives, midwifery students, doulas, and extra support people. Currently, all support people must wear a mask upon entering the centre and in common areas and hallways. We are not able to offer in and out privileges at this... time. If you are planning to attend a birth at the birth centre in the coming weeks, we encourage you to read the PDF guidelines we have posted on our website to prepare for your visit. Thank you! ________________________ Nous sommes très heureux d'annoncer qu'à partir du vendredi 26 juin, les salles de naissance pourront accueillir jusqu'à 6 personnes par accouchement. Ce nombre comprend la personne qui accouche, le partenaire de naissance, deux sages-femmes, les étudiantes, les doulas, et les personnes apportant un soutien supplémentaires. Actuellement, toutes les personnes de soutien doivent porter un masque à l'entrée du centre et dans les zones et couloirs communs. En ce moment, nous ne sommes pas en mesure d'offrir des privilèges d'entrée et de sortie pour ceux qui visitent. Si vous prévoyez assister à un accouchement au centre de naissance dans les semaines à venir, nous vous encourageons à lire les directives que nous avons affichées sur notre site-web pour préparer pour votre visite. Merci!

This morning at 5:30am, we welcomed baby #1500! The Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre first opened its doors on February 3rd, 2014. Hard to believe we've had 1500 babies born here since that time! Midwives Ola and Julie from Community Midwives of Ottawa welcomed this beautiful new addition into the world. Congratulations to all, and welcome to the OBWC family baby Iyla!

Are you pregnant with a due date in November, December, January or February? East Ottawa Midwives currently has openings. Call the office ASAP for more inform...ation 613-745-1711 or fill out our intake form on our website. Please share with anyone you may think might be interested. Nous avons des ouvertures pour les mois de novembre, décembre, janvier et février! Appelez-nous le plus tôt possible au 613-745-1711 pour plus d'informations ou remplissez le formulaire de demande sur notre site web. Partagez le message!

UPDATE: We have made some changes to our pandemic measures for clients. As per the recommendations of the Chief Public Health Officer, clients and support persons should wear a face mask upon entering the birth centre and when traveling in common areas such as hallways. The use of face masks once admitted to the birth room will be reviewed by your midwife. Please refer to our websites Home page for our most updated measures to keep our clients, staff, and midwives safe. Than...k you! https://ottawabirthcentre.ca/ MISE À JOUR: Nous avons fait des changements face à certaines procédures au centre de naissance. Selon les recommandations de l'administrateur en chef de la santé publique, les clients et les personnes de soutien devraient porter un masque lorsqu'ils entrent dans le centre de naissance et lorsqu'ils se déplacent dans les zones communes. L'utilisation de masques une fois admis dans la salle d'accouchement sera examinée par votre sage-femme. Veuillez consulter la page d'accueil de notre site web pour en savoir plus. Merci! https://ottawabirthcentre.ca/fr/

Come and learn what kind of services are still available at Mothercraft Ottawa and Family Services Ottawa. Presented by Nancy Kennedy of The Royal, Courney A. Holmes of Mothercraft Ottawa and Wendy O'Connell-Smith of Family Services Ottawa.

TODAY at 3pm! Come and learn what kind of services are still available at Mothercraft Ottawa and Family Services Ottawa. Presented by Nancy Kennedy of The Royal, Courtney A. Holmes of Mothercraft Ottawa and Wendy O'Connell-Smith of Family Services Ottawa

Many of you know and love this familiar face here at the centre! We are sad to announce that our beloved Stephanie is moving on from her role here as our Receptionist Administrative Assistant to an exciting new role in the surrogacy world! Your awesome sense of humour, work ethic, and unbeatable passion make you an absolute joy to be around. Stephanie, you are a gem and you will be so very missed. Thank you for all the incredible contributions you have made to the OBWC, we wish you the absolute best in your new role! Stephanie Aubry

This virtual group for parents will be sharing and discussing subjects related to latching, building/maintaining a supply, sleep, mental health, expected feeding patterns, crying, pumping and storing breast milk etc. For more information and to register please visit www.lactationcare.ca

Ottawa Childbirth Education Association is still running all their amazing classes. Register: www.ottawacea.com They even have a weekly virtual drop-in on Thursdays for new parents. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2942340432498619&set=a.131615006904523

The community still has great resources available virtually. National Capital Doulas have developed 3 virtual programs to help you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. https://www.facebook.com/NationalCapitalDoulas/posts/1587433741425861

We are hearing a lot about what it means to be an essential worker in these COVID-times. Our Birth Centre Aide team is often referred to as the heart of our organization, but in the last months, the pandemic has put into perfect clarity just how critical they are. Quite simply, we would not be open without them. The ONLY reason we can continue to offer service to families who desire an out of hospital birth is because of our BCAs. To our BCAs we say this: Thank you. Thank yo...u for the long days and the longer nights. Thank you for the sweat. For the tears. For the cracked hands. For the sore ears. Thank you for the hours spent away from your families. Thank you for keeping our midwives and clients safe and healthy. Thank you for everything that you do. Please send our BCAs some love for the incredibly demanding work that they do every single day. Sadly some of our BCAs are missing from this picture, but let's send them some love too until we can take a new one together! #frontlineworkers

Join us with Dr. Gandhi for a discussion on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: -When is it appropriate to seek treatment -Community resources -Types of psychotherapy and effectiveness... -Medication, effectiveness and risks Questions will be answered through out the discussion.

Yet another great resource that has gone virtual! Little Lotus Prenatal Yoga classes utilize breathing techniques, increase strength and relieve tension through yoga postures that relax the mind and body while inviting the spirit to soar. Celebrate the life you are creating for your little loved one while utilizing traditional yoga postures and celebrating your power as a women while you prepare for childbirth. To register visit: www.littlelotusyoga.ca... https://www.facebook.com/events/737223023448775/ See more

Join us on Wednesday for a Facebook live with Dr. Jasmine Gandhi. Event details - https://www.facebook.com/events/1585376871603076

Not sure where to start with solid foods? Put your mind at ease and let your baby lead the way to become a healthy, independent eater. Learn everything you need to know to get started with baby led weaning so you can spend less time worrying about feeding your baby and more time enjoying mealtimes. With baby led weaning, its important to proceed safely and offer the right foods. Join Olivia Farrow, registered dietitian, mom, and owner of Nourished Nest Nutrition for this com...prehensive workshop on introducing solid foods safely and nutritiously with a baby led weaning approach. To learn more and register visit www.nourishednestnutrition.com Next workshop is May 31. https://www.facebook.com/events/581845132747811/

With over ten years as a full-time Doula, Pia Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to each labour. A certified Doula, Pia has attended hundreds of births in various settings. She provides birth and postpartum support, and is also a certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, affiliated with the HB Institute. Pia has been teaching the HypnoBirthing course in Ottawa since 2005, and she is passionate about working with women to help them discover the power and innate intelligence of their own bodies. Pia is still offering group and private classes virtually at this time. To register or inquire please contact Pia via email at [email protected]

Have a look at the virtual prenatal and postpartum classes and workshops that MotherWit Doula Care Ottawa have to offer.

This comprehensive 2hr course, offers EASY TO UNDERSTAND instructions on how to help your newborn or child in lifes scary situations. We sincerely hope you never have to use First Aid but we want you to feel confident in your skills and know what to do if the need arises. This course follows the latest guidelines in First Aid and CPR and you will be assured in knowing that you will be doing the very best for your child. Register online at https://nationalcapitalfirstaid.com/

World Maternal Mental Health Day Join us for a discussion on mental health and well-being in the time of Covid-19. Presented by Emma Slaney Gose, Nancy Kennedy and Ann-Marie OBrien.

Bonne Journée internationale de la sage-femme! À l'occasion de la Journée internationale de la sage-femme, le CNBEo salue nos travailleurs de première ligne qui travaillent dur et qui sont fiables: nos sages-femmes. Les sages-femmes continuent de servir leurs clients pendant ces moments difficiles, travaillant sans relâche dans les maisons, les hôpitaux, les cliniques et dans notre centre de naissance. Ils fournissent des soins essentiels, excellents, sûrs et aimants aux familles, avec un grand sourire derrière leurs masques! Merci à toutes les sages-femmes, sans vous notre centre de naissance ne pourrait exister! Aujourd'hui, nous demandons aux gens de reconnaître la sage-femme qui les a soutenus jusqu'à la naissance! Voici comment: #IThank {NAMEYOURMIDWIFE} #Midwives2020 & #IDM2020

Happy International Day of the Midwife! On the occasion of International Day of the Midwife, the OBWC salutes our hard-working, dependable front-line workers: our midwives. Midwives are continuing to serve their clients during these difficult times, working tirelessly in homes, hospitals, clinics and in our Birth Centre. They are providing essential, excellent, safe and loving care for families, with a big smile behind their masks! Thank you to all the midwives, without you our Birth Centre could not exist! Today, we're asking people to recognize the midwife who supported them through birth! Heres how: #IThank{NAMEYOURMIDWIFE} #Midwives2020 & #IDM2020