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 also welcome.

Canada-wide LLL breastfeeding referral service (800) 665-4324. In Montreal there are monthly meetings downtown (Melissa or Kimberly), in Ville St. Laurent (Jennifer), and on the West Island (Tanja or Rosalie). All of the these women offer telephone breastfeeding support, and can also be reached for more information regarding the time and location of the meetings:
Melissa: 514 939-0698; Kimberly: 514-278-8009; Rosalie: 514 624-5961; Tanja: 514 674-0620; or Jennifer: 514 747-3384.

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 meetings either in NDG or elsewhere, call: (514) 948-9877

Nourri-Source has trained volunteers who can answer questions about breastfeeding and who offer one-on-one telephone support. For the NDG area, call Alejandra (514) 485-6401 for telephone support. Visit the website for the Laval Nourri-Source for groups in this area.

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, Cote-des-Neiges (affiliated with CLSC Cote-des-Neiges)
Info: (514) 736-2323
2187 Larivière, Montréal (at the moment for Plateau residents only)
Info: (514) 527-2361
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
5790 Cote-des-Neiges
Info: (514) 340- 8222 ext. 3269

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

Childbirth Education - Directors Barbara Jones RN, Barbara Webster, RN, BScN, MSc.
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. Group classes. Private and semi-private classes also available.
Info: (514) 482-5108

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
Maya Preiss, D.C., 4531 rue Resther, Montreal Info: (514) 578-1092

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, and through Alternative Naissance.

Doulas - MotherWit Doula Care, Montreal
Long time Montreal doula Lesley Everest has founded MotherWit Doula Care, which provides birth and postpartum doula services, prenatal education classes, and doula training. The MotherWit team holds information sessions at the Greene Centre on the second Wednesday evening of every month. Please visit www.motherwit.ca for more information or contact Lesley at 514-237-0737 or info@motherwit.ca.

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 MotherWit Doula Care (listed above), other doulas serving the Montreal area, include:
Ayda deSouza, doula (514) 662-8642 or doula-4-U@hotmail.com
Esme Terry, doula (514) 767-8285 or esmet@primus.ca
Francine Legault, doula (514) 374-2708 or francine.lego@gmail.com
Jo Muise, doula (514) 581-7885 or jomuise@hotmail.com
Rivka Cymbalist, doula (514) 692-0086 or visit Rivka's website
Stephanie Dupras, doula & lactation consultant (514) 996-8280 or visit Stephanie's website

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. Please note: these postpartum doulas do not work as babysitters or nannies:
Ayda deSouza (514) 662-8642 or doula-4-U@hotmail.com
MotherWit Doula Care (514) 237-0737 or info@motherwit.ca

Doula Training in Montreal Area
MotherWit provides doula training for those interested in becoming a birth doula, postpartum doula, or for those wishing to expand a professional knowledge base with enrichment workshops on various topics on holistic perinatal care. For more information or contact Lesley Everest at 514-237-0737 or info@motherwit.ca.

Massage for Pregnancy and Beyond - Bianca Thout
Bianca specialises in shiatsu massage for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. She also offers private instruction in baby massage. Home visits. Insurance receipts provided.
Info: (514) 721-0886
Download Bianca's PDF to learn more (20 KB) or visit her website

Massage Training for Expectant Couples - Esther Larose
Esther offers a 90 minute private class designed to teach your partner easy, basic prenatal massage techniques. Simple but efficient, these techniques can be brought home for ongoing practice without the need of a professional table.
Esther Larose, (514) 569-9129.

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, M.A., R.Y.T.
Clearlight has been specializing in yoga for expectant and new moms since 1999. She offers yoga classes for pregnancy and childbirth, as well as childbirth preparation for couples and mom & baby yoga classes.
Yogaspace Studio, 5252 de Maisonneuve West, #100, Montreal
Info: (514) 933-8671

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

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.

Bloom Maternity
A specialty boutique for maternity clothes and other items for expecting moms.
4937B Sherbrooke St. West, Westmount
Info: (514) 481-5151 - 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

Boutique 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) 289-9855 - or visit their website
278 Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire, Info: (514) 674-0828

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, Info: (514) 489-8000 - or visit their website

Kamala Bebe Natural Toys
Online catalogue of wood and cloth toys, slings, baby shoes, nursing bras and more.
Info: Krystyna (514) 661-0552 or kamala.bebe@gmail.com

Melons & Clementines
This is a beautiful and friendly place to go for all your breastfeeding needs, or just for a cup of tea! Just opened in the spring of 2010, Melons & Clementines offers both a boutique and café, as well as IBCLC (breastfeeding) consultations and workshops.
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.)

Tralala
Purchase or sell maternity and baby clothes, toys and supplies at this consignment friperie on the Plateau. Economically and ecologically friendly.
363 Fairmount West, Montreal
Info: (514) 656-5522 or visit their website

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

Blog -Musings of a Montreal Doula
This blog covers a range of topics including pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood and more - and is absolutely full of practical advice, real-life anecdotes and insightful commentary. Lesley Everest draws from her experience of her many years as a Montreal doula and mother of four, generously sharing information that is hard to find elsewhere.
www.motherwitdoula.blogspot.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 or www.drjacknewman.com
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

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