yogaspace - Montreal pregnancy yoga resources

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.
copyright luke gerald

     • community groups
     • health resources for pregnancy and moms & babies
     • stores for pregnancy and baby supplies
     • around town
     • links of interest

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

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 welcome.
Canada-wide breastfeeding referral service (800) 665-4324
Centre Greene, 1090 Greene Ave, Info: Minerva (514) 744-9277 or Melissa (514) 939-0698
Pointe Claire, CLSC Lac St. Louis Birthing Center 180 Cartier, Info: Lydia (514) 684-8588
Ste. Anne's, call for location, Info: Patricia (514) 457-3544

Les Relevailles de Montreal (Centre de ressources périnatales)
Une organisme communautaire, Les Releveilles de Montreal a pour mission de favoriser l'adaptation harmonieuse du parent à la vie avec son nourrisson. Ils offrent une gamme de services: cours, rencontres, soutien téléphonique, références, aide à domicile, et bibliothèque.
14115, rue Prince Arthur, suite 341 Montreal
Info: (514) 640-6741

Nourri Source
This french and english mother/baby support group meets every Tuesday morning between 10h-12h. 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. Similar programs are run at other Montreal CLSCs.
CLSC NDG/MTL-O 2525 Cavendish
For general inquiries about the support group: (514) 485-1670 x2425

Nourri-Source has trained volunteers who can answer questions about breastfeeding and who offer one-on-one telephone support. The number to call for more info for NDG residents is Rowan (514) 486-8413 and outside of NDG, the head office (514) 948-5160.

Acupuncture for 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), a field in which Aina Zhang specialises.
Aina Zhang, Clinique SinoCare 4177 Decarie Blvd, (514) 483-6669
Jean Levesque, 56 St. Joseph West, (514) 525-2425

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 in Cote-des-Neiges (affiliated with CLSC Cote-des-Neiges)
Info: (514) 736-2323

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
Herzl Family Practice Center
5790 Cote-des-Neiges, 2nd floor
Info: (514) 340- 8222 ext. 3269

Breastfeeding Support - Community Groups
See information for local community groups (at top of this page).

Childbirth Education - Group Classes, Directors Barbara Jones, Barbara Webster
Prenatal courses for expectant couples. Program includes preparation for labour, birth, parenting and breast feeding. Courses held at the Jewish General Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital.
Info: (514) 482-5108

Childbirth Education - Private Classes, Dorothy Steinberg, R.N., B.A., I.B.C.L.C.
In personalized private or semi-private classes, prospective parents will learn to make their own informed choices. The classes include labour and birth preparation, breastfeeding and baby care. Dorothy also offers her services as an Int'l Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Info: (514) 482-8056

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., 101 Amherst, Bur. B8, Beaconsfield Info: (514) 426-1446

Daycares in Montreal
It is a good idea to get on the waiting lists as soon as possible (even while pregnant). Our unofficial 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 Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition féminine website.

Doulas
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 listings at the Réseau québécois d'accompagnantes à la naissance website, at Mere et Monde and through Alternative Naissance (514) 274-1727.

Doulas - Holistic Perinatal Associates (HPA), Montreal
Lesley Everest, doula (514) 237-0737 or visit Lesley's website
Rivka Cymbalist, doula (514) 692-0086 or visit Rivka's website

more Doulas in Montreal
There are many wonderful doulas in Montreal. It is important to meet with doulas until you find the doula you know is 'the one'. In addition to the Holistic Perinatal Associates (listed above), there are many other women working in the Montreal area as doulas, including:
Stephanie Dupras, doula & lactation consultant (450) 661-6629 or visit Stephanie's website
Ayda deSouza, doula (450) 688-8214 or doula-4-U@hotmail.com
Jessica Leduc, doula (514) 273-0489 or jess_doula@yahoo.ca , Jessica's website
Kimberley MacKenzie, doula (514) 278-8009 or kimberleykmack@yahoo.ca
Katrina Miller, doula (450) 455-4566 or moon_daughters@hotmail.com
Jo Muise, doula (DONA) (514) 890-1732 or jomuise@hotmail.com
Leanne Tonkin, doula (514) 484-6520 or leannetonkin@gmail.com

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. Most postpartum doulas are mothers themselves who strive to 'mother the new mother' - a role that can include breastfeeding support, baby care, encouragement and nurturing and help with whatever mom and baby need. Please note: these postpartum doulas do not work as babysitters or nannies.
Ayda deSouza, doula (450) 688-8214 or doula-4-U@hotmail.com
Katrina Miller, doula (450) 455-4566 or moon_daughters@hotmail.com

Doula Training in Montreal Area
The Holistic Perinatal Association offers a comprehensive course in the art and science of doula care. Learn how to facilitate communication between women and their doctors; how to offer information and support regarding self-care during pregnancy; how to create a nurturing and empowering environment in the hospital birthing room; and how to encourage and support breastfeeding. Contact the doulas/trainers Rivka Cimbalist 739-3886 or Lesley Everest 237-0737 for more information on upcoming programs.

Massage for Pregnancy - Esther Larose
Esther brings over 18 years of training and experience to her work as a specialist in pregnancy massage. You can receive massage during your pregnancy from very early on until the day you give birth. Performed while you lay on your side, this Swedish massage will help stimulate circulation of the whole body, and relax sore muscles. This pregnancy massage is very safe and can also be a special moment to share with your unborn baby. Massage can also be useful after birth when you are nursing or bottle-feeding, to relax your back and shoulders.
Insurance receipts provided.
Offices in NDG & on the Plateau, Info: (514) 569-9129

Perinatal Shiatsu Massage - Bianca Thout
Bianca specialises in shiatsu massage for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Also private instruction in baby massage. Home visits. Insurance receipts provided.
Info: (514) 721-0886

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.
65 Hillside Ave., Westmount
Info: (514) 979-0895

Prepartum & Postpartum Depression - Leanna Zozula, Ph.D.
Leanna is a psychologist who specializes in reproductive mental health issues, including pre and postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as infertility issues.
Info: (514) 337-2473 or visit the Psymontreal website

Treatment for Incontinence - Myra Siminovitch
Physiotherapist specializing in incontinence, and all issues around the pelvic floor.
L'Esprit Rehabilitation, 5252 de Maisonneuve West, #100, Montreal
Info: (514) 486-0111 or (514) 942-1998

Yoga Classes offered in English - Clearlight Gerald
Pregnancy yoga classes and mom & baby yoga classes in English. Visit the pregnancy yoga page and the mom and baby yoga page for more information.
Yogaspace Studio, 5252 de Maisonneuve West, #100, Montreal
Info: (514) 933-8671 for more information

Yoga Classes offered in French - Sophie Desjardins
Cours de yoga prénatal en français
5149 rue St-Denis, Montreal
Info: (514) 271-0853 pour plus d'information

AzureWraps - Cloth Diapers & Accessories
AzureWraps is a Montreal based business offering a large selection of cloth diapers and accessories, and personalized assistance to help you find the system that works best for you and your baby. 5814 Sherbrooke St. West inside of Maman, Bebe et Cafe.
Info: (514) 509-7892 - or visit their website

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-AURIC - or visit their website.

Boutique la Mère Hélène
Maternity clothes, cotton diapers and baby carriers are among the speciality items offered by Mère Hélène.
7577-A Edouard St., Lasalle
Info: (514) 368-2959 - or visit their website

Bummis
A cozy boutique offering cotton diapers and accessories, nursing/maternity clothes and accessories, baby carriers, lambskins, potty chairs, biodegradable washing products, baby clothes and accessories.
115 Mt. Royal W., Montreal
Info: (514) 289-9415 - 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 - or visit their website

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.)

Bring Your Baby to the Movies
Special programs in Montreal area cinemas that invite mom and dad to bring baby to see the latest feature films. Everybody in the theatre has a baby, so no one worries if your baby cries, needs to be fed or is sound asleep.
visit Movies for Mommies

Baby Bottles Online
If you are looking for non-plastic alternatives for baby bottles and can't find any locally, you might try this website for online purchases:
www.thesoftlanding.com

Breastfeeding Advice & Information
You will find an amazing collection of free online articles by Dr. Jack Newman at:
www.asklenore.info/aboutus/jacknewman.html
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

Guide to Making a Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan is an excellent way to start thinking about labour and delivery, and a wonderful way to communicate your ideas and expectations with your doctor and healthcare providers.
visit Childbirth.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

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