The following is a selective listing of Montreal groups and services for pregnant and new moms. These community resources have been personally recommended by women over the years who have taken the prenatal and postnatal yoga classes at Yogaspace.
If you are looking for pregnancy and new Mama resources on the West Island and in the Vaudreuil area, please visit our West Island perinatal resource page.
Alternative Naissance An excellent resource, Alternative Naissance is a community organization that offers complete information about the diverse support services offered in Montreal for pregnancy and childbirth. Call them for free referrals, recommendations and more information about the prenatal and postnatal support community in Montreal.
6006, ave. de Bordeaux, Montreal
(514) 274-1727
Acupuncture for Fertility, Pregnancy and Labour Acupuncture can be helpful during pregnancy (particularly to assist breech baby to turn between 31-34 weeks) and as aid during labour in facilitating greater ease. Acupuncture can also help to treat infertility (women and men) and address fertility issues, a field in which Aina Zhang specialises. Aina Zhang, Clinique SinoCare 4177 Decarie Blvd, (514) 483-6669
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) - Online Course for Parents with Jessica Coll, RD, IBCLC
In this comprehensive online course you will learn through a series of short videos how to safey introduce BLW to your baby, and to be sure you are offering the right foods. You will also have access to Jessica's expertise as you will be able to ask an unlimited number of your own questions. This link will give you 50% reduction to the lifetime access to Jessica's BLW online course. Jessica Coll is a registered dietitian and lactation consultant based in Montreal.
Birthing Center -Maison de Naissance If you would like to prepare for a natural childbirth with the guidance of a midwife, these centers are an excellent choice. Fees covered under Quebec Medicare (RAMQ). Space is very limited so call as early as possible to secure a space.
180 Cartier, Pointe-Claire (affiliated with CLSC Lac Saint-Louis)
Info: (514) 697-1199 6560 Cote-des-Neiges, Cote-des-Neiges (affiliated with CLSC Cote-des-Neiges)
Info: (514) 736-2323
1822 Ontario Est, Montréal
Info: (514) 527-2361 poste 2500
15,70e ave. West, Blainville (Laurentians)
Info: (450) 431-8623
Breastfeeding Support - Breastfeeding Clinic at the Jewish General Hospital By appointment, no fee for service (first get referral from your doctor)
Carole Dobriche, Head Lactation Consultant Goldfarb Breastfeeding Program
3755 Cote-Ste-Catherine Info: (514) 340- 8222 ext. 23269
Breastfeeding Support- Directory of Quebec IBCLC Lactation Consultants Search the directory of certified lactation consultants who have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality assistance to babies and mothers in breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support -La Leche League (LLL) Mother-to-mother support groups providing information and encouragement to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. While complementing the care of the physician and other health care professionals, LLL recognizes the unique importance of one mother helping another. Pregnant moms are also welcome.
Canada-wide LLL breastfeeding referral service (800) 665-4324. In Montreal there are monthly meetings downtown, in Ville St. Laurent, and on the West Island. Breastfeeding Support - Nourri-Source
Contact your local CLSC (ex. Metro CLSC, Cavendish CLSC, etc) for the Nourri-Source schedule of weekly meet-up groups. Each week a different informational session is given (topics include infant massage and infant sleeping). There is always a nurse and/or volunteer on hand to answer your questions about breastfeeding support, infant care, etc. All are welcome, there is no charge. Nourri-Source also has trained volunteers who can answer questions about breastfeeding and who offer one-on-one telephone support.
Childbirth Classes - English Classes in Montreal There are several lovely childbirth classes offered in the community... each with a slightly different focus and context. The following classes are included because they are taught by highly committed and established birthing professionals who have earned an excellent reputation for their work.
• 'MotherWit Birth Essentials Prenatal Classes' - with Lesley Everest & MotherWit doulas
Lesley Everest, the founder and director of MotherWit, generously shares her wealth of knowledge and her rich experience as a leading expert, doula and trainer in the field of birthing support. Lesley and her team of doulas offer prenatal classes that empower couples to make informed choices based upon their needs and values, and that build confidence in birthing naturally, should that be the desire and should circumstances favour.
Info: (514) 237-0737, or visit the MotherWit Birth Essentials Page, classes in NDG and Pointe-Claire
• 'Preparing for Birth Together' - with Clearlight Gerald, MA, IAYT, ERYT, RPYT
This one-time afternoon Couples Workshop offers expectant parents the opportunity to learn a variety of tools and techniques to cope with the challenges of labour with confidence, grace and skill. Essential breathing techniques and positions for labour and delivery are the focus, and fathers/ birth partners are empowered to effectively support moms. Clearlight has been empowering couples in this workshop since 2001 with tools and techniques to encourage a positive childbirth experience. For couples planning birth with the support of a doctor or with a midwife; the class is complimentary to other prenatal classes (but not repetitive).
Info: (514) 867-8671, or visit the Yogaspace Couples Workshop page, class in Westmount.
• 'Childbirth Education' - with Barbara Jones RN, Barbara Webster, RN, BScN, MSc.
Barbara and Barbara are well known for their prenatal courses that have been offered to expectant couples for many years now. Their program includes preparation for labour, birth, parenting and breastfeeding. The courses are held at the Jewish General Hospital and at St. Mary's Hospital. They offer both group and private classes.
Info: (514) 482-5108, or visit the Childbirth Education website.
•CLSC Prenatal Classes - Contact your local CLSC to learn more about the prenatal and childbirth classes that are offered without fee to all Quebec residents.
Chiropractors for Pregnant Moms and Babies Patrick Freud, B.Sc., D.C., 2100 Marlowe, Suite 406, NDG/Montreal Info: (514) 483-3444 Valérie Lavigne, D.C., 3608 St-Charles boul. suite 1A, Kirkland Info: (514) 694-7111
Daycares in Montreal It is a good idea to get on the waiting lists as soon as possible (even while pregnant). Our official advice is that once your baby is born, do not wait for them to call you - instead visit and make your interest and presence known. For a complete listing of daycares in your area, visit the Enfance Famille website
Doula Networks and Listings
Doulas are birth assistants, professionally trained women who provide physical, emotional and informational support during your labour and birth, as well as postpartum care. Visit the Doulas of North America website for extensive information about doulas, and to find a doula in your area. You will find other Quebec listings at the Réseau québécois d'accompagnantes à la naissance website, and through Alternative Naissance.
Local Doulas There are many lovely, dedicated and experienced doulas in the Montreal area. It is important to meet and interview doulas until you feel the 'right chemistry'. This is a partial list of local doulas who all come highly recommended and who have extensive experience.
• Doulas Lesley Everest, Millie Tresierra and MotherWit Doula Team, Montreal MotherWit Doula Care provides birth and postpartum doula services, support groups, specializes workshops and doula trainings. The MotherWit team holds information sessions on the second Wednesday evening of every month in NDG - this is a great way to meet the doulas in person and to get more information on the services available! Also, visit www.motherwit.ca or contact 514-237-0737
• Doula - Rivka Cymbalist, Montreal Rivka, a longtime Montreal doula, mentor and teacher, is the founder of the Montreal Birth Companions (MBC) - a free doulas service for refugees, immigrants and women in need, and the MBC Doula School.
• Doula - Megan Howarth, Montreal Visit Megan the Doula's webpage to learn more about her doula packages and classes, as well as her baby-wearing workshops, all offered in the NDG area. 514-966-1657
• postpartum Doulas The role of a postpartum doula is to support and nurture the new mother and family after the birth of baby. A postpartum doula can come to assist you one or two times, or regularly over a period of several months. The role of postpartum doulas can include breastfeeding support, baby care, encouragement and nurturing and help with whatever mom and baby need.
Contact the above listed birth doulas for information on available postpartum services (ex. MotherWit, Two Doulas, Megan the doula, etc.)
Perinatal and Family Therapy Services - Alexandra Matlin, M.S.W. Alexandra is an individual, couple and family therapist with over 10 years of experience in mental health. Her services include the treatment of postpartum depression, eating disorders and the challenges faced by new parents and families.
Westmount / Cote-des-Neiges
Info: (514) 979-0895
Treatment for Incontinence Physiotherapisst specializing in incontinence, and all issues around the pelvic floor.
Marie-Josée Lord and team, Physiotherapist(s), at Kinatex in Dorval
Info: 514-697-1141
Baby Auric Diaper Service
"Easy for you, Better for your baby, Best for your planet." Dump dirty diapers in a pail and Baby Auric Diaper Service will pick them up once a week - you will receive a bag of freshly laundered diapers in exchange! Serves the island of Montreal and surrounding area.
Info: (514) 483-2874 - or visit their website.
Coop La Maison Verte
Co-op La Maison Verte is a community-based co-operative that offers ecological solutions for the home as well as resources for responsible consumption. It is 'the' place to buy safe, baby-friendly soaps and cleaning products for your home - bring your empty containers for bulk purchases.
5785 Sherbrooke St. West, NDG
Info: (514) 489-8000 - or visit their website
Melons & Clementines Melons & Clementines is a boutique-café located in Montreal that specializes in breastfeeding supplies and services. It is owned by two lactation consultants certified by the IBLCE and work to help families find trustable resources, adapted equipment (from breastpumps to baby carriers, rentals also available) or simply great breastfeeding clothing (largest assortment of nursing bras). The heart-warming atmosphere of the café encourages families to share the highs and lows of parenting.
5659 Sherbrooke St. West (between Oxford and Harvard), (514) 482-5248
Music for Labour and Relaxation Music can transform the atmosphere of labour by inviting relaxation, deep focus, calm. Visit the music (relaxation) resources page for some suggestions. (The selections listed in the relaxation section are some that have been used by other moms during labour and also with new baby to relax and renew.)
Breastfeeding Advice & Information You will find an amazing collection of free online articles by Dr. Jack Newman at: (Link temporarily unavailable, update to follow) Topics include increasing milk supply, treating thrush, latching issues, newborn weight loss, and more.
Environmental Working Group At EWG, scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers research and summarize government data, legal documents, scientific studies and their own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Includes a database in which you can look up the products you use to learn about any potential health concerns. www.ewg.org Homemade Baby Food This website is an excellent guide on what and when to feed baby, and how to make and store your own wholesome baby food.
visit Wholesome Baby Food
Motherisk
This is the website to visit concerning the safety of medications, products and everyday exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
visit Motherisk
Online Resources for Pregnancy, Baby Care and Parenting Several women from Yogaspace's pregnancy yoga and mom and baby yoga classes have recommended these sites as resources that they as new parents found to be helpful:
visit mothering.com
visit babycentre.co.uk
Quebec Parental Insurance Program The Quebec government website detailing the application process and eligibility for maternity/paternity leave for employed and self-employed new parents.
visit QPIP website
Birthing Center - Maison de Naissance
