We encourage women to educate themselves about maternal and child health.

Pregnancy can be a time where lots of advice is given – family, friends, co-workers may all want to share their stories and advice. There is also a lot of information on the internet. When it comes to the health of you and your baby, it is important to get information from trustworthy sources.

The sites below have been reviewed by our group, and are published by healthcare professionals. Your doctor can answer any questions you have or clarify information you have heard or read. We also recommend prenatal classes; there are several options below.

Covid Resources

• Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada
• The Ottawa Hospital   Information for patients and their families
• Best Start  Covid 19 Resources for Ontario families

General Pregnancy Comprehensive Websites

• PregnancyInfo.ca  Information on pregnancy and childbirth from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
• www.OMama.com   Information about all stages of pregnancy, labour & birth, postpartum and newborn care.  Also available as an app!
• Best Start  Ontario’s pregnancy, newborn and early childhood development resource centre.
• Ottawa Public Health    Pregnancy and Parenting Information
• The Mother’s Program
• The Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• Conscious Pregnancy:  Scientists making sense of pregnancy

Birth Companions

• Mothercraft Birth and Parent Companion Program

Breastfeeding

• Ottawa Breastfeeds    Connecting you with your community resources.
• Breastfeeding Inc.   Dr. Jack Newman’s breastfeeding resources including information sheets, video clips and articles.
• La Leche League Canada   The encouragement, promotion and provision or mother-to-mother breastfeeding support
• Telehealth Ontario-   Free telephone service where you speak to a nurse.  Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000

Cesarean Section, Breech Birth and Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section

• Power to Push

Doulas

• Ontario Doulas

Exercise

• Physical Activity in Pregnancy
• Exercise video guide

Genetic Screening Choices

• Guide to Understanding Prenatal Genetic Testing
• Prenatal Screening Program Ontario
• CHEO genetics

Nutrition and Weight

• Health Canada Prenatal Nutrition
• Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy
• Dieticians of Canada
• Buns in the Oven – A free prenatal nutrition program.   Google ‘buns in the oven Ottawa’ for more information.

Prenatal Classes

• The Ottawa Hospital – Prenatal Information Sessions    The prenatal orientation session consists of a PowerPoint presentation outlining what to expect during your stay at The Ottawa Hospital. The slideshow will include a general overview of the Obstetrical Assessment Unit, Birthing Unit, Special Care Nursery and Mother Baby Unit. There will be a question period following the presentation. Please consult the schedule for more details.
• Ottawa Public Health Prenatal Classes

Medication and Drug Exposure in Pregnancy

• Mother to Baby
• Lactmed

Mental Health

• Postpartum Mom Groups    Family Services Ottawa
• Postpartum Depression   Canadian Mental Health Association
• Life with a New Baby

Parenting

General

• Parent Resource Ottawa
• Parenting In Ottawa
• Mothercraft Ottawa
• Caring for Kids
• About Kids Health