15 Montreal Resources for Pregnant Women and New Moms
As a new mother myself and trained postpartum doula in Montreal, I have come across my fair share of local resources for soon-to-be and new mothers.
In today’s blog post, I have gathered my 15 personal favourites in terms of classes, wellness, breastfeeding, clothing and more!
I feel fortunate that I have enjoyed the products and services of all the wonderful businesses below and can wholeheartedly vouch for them. Before we jump in, I will say that my love for the city of Montreal has even grown stronger since having a baby and becoming a mama myself. In addition to being amazingly multicultural, vibrant and authentic, Montreal also turns out to be a wonderful place to raise a family.
Disclaimer: This list is not meant to be exhaustive and includes my personal favourites for pregnant women and new mothers in Montreal. If you have a resource that’s not currently included in this list, feel free to reach out to me.
Wellness and Fitness
1. Naada Yoga
Located in the Mile End, Naada Yoga is a thriving yoga studio offering online and in-person yoga classes and yoga teacher training. What sets Naada apart from other yoga studios is their incredible family program that follows the journey of a family from the prenatal stage through family yoga classes for babies, toddlers, kids and teens – a true family bonding experience!
I personally attended all my prenatal yoga classes at Naada (even a snowstorm couldn’t prevent me from taking this sacred time for myself!). I especially enjoyed strengthening yoga postures, guided meditations and breathing exercises in preparation for the challenges of childbirth and postpartum.
2. Maison Louvgang
Located in the Mile-Ex neighborhood of Montreal, Louvgang is a holistic feminist meeting space and an artistic safe space unlike any other. Founded by a woman for women, Louvgang offers yoga and dance classes, gentle prenatal and postnatal massages and energy work (Shiatsu, Reiki) and creative workshops.
I remember visiting the beautifully serene space of Louvgang for my first postnatal massage after my daughter was born and absolutely loved the vibe: warm, welcoming and with a great energy focused on women.
3. Jessica Thai-Thuc: Massage & Energy Therapist
It was thanks to my massage visit at Maison Louvgang that I met Jessica Thai-Thuc, massage and energy therapist extraordinaire. Over the past year, Jessica has quickly become my go-to trusted massage therapist and spiritual guide. Especially during the first year after giving birth, her unique approach to massage therapy helped me relax, prioritize my self-care and trust my intuition as a new mama.
Jessica specializes in massaging women before and after birth and her massages combine several practices (Swedish, Shiatsu or Reiki) based on her client’s needs. In addition to feeling absolutely relaxed, I also leave her massages with a newfound strength and calmness within to tackle my journey as a mother, wife and business owner.
Fun fact: Jessica also offers graphic design services and created my logo and visual identity when I started Mama Liv.
www.facebook.com/jessicathaithuctherapeuteenergetique
4. Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau
Located on a ship anchored in the Old Port of Montreal, Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau offers a unique floating spa experience on the St. Lawrence River. Although not specialized in prenatal or postnatal care per se, Bota Bota is a wonderful all-around, quite fancy spa with saunas, steam baths, pools, prenatal massages and other spa treatments such as facials or pedicures.
I try to make time for a spa experience at Bota Bota at least twice a year. The views are stunning, the treatments and of high quality and every visit feels like a mini getaway.
Pro tip: Bring a friend or a family member along if you’d enjoy some company. Bota Bota has an entire outdoor garden section where talking is allowed as long as you keep your voice low, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up and change your mind from pregnancy or motherhood if you need a little break 😉.
Prenatal & Postpartum Prep Classes
5. Postpartum Prep Workshop by Mama Liv
In addition to offering postpartum doula classes, I have also integrated postpartum prep classes as part of my offering for pregnant women and new mothers. Looking back at my own experience, I often felt that we prepare extensively for childbirth but tend to forget about preparing for a positive postpartum experience. Other cultures around the world have certainly understood the importance of allowing the new mother to rest and heal after giving birth.
What can we expect once we’re back home with our newborn? How and what should the new mother eat to get nourished and facilitate her healing journey? What feelings may arise for the mother and the support person? Do I really need a breast pump?
Mama Liv’s postpartum prep workshop will guide families through the sensitive period of postpartum, covering evidence-based information and guidance on 7 major subject topics: Physical care & maternal healing ❤ newborn care & hygiene ❤ nourishment ❤ clothing & comfort ❤ breastfeeding & chestfeeding ❤ bottle feeding ❤ emotional healing & mental health.
6. Prenatal Classes by Rock the Cradle
Rock the Cradle offers a variety of courses and services around the entire birth experience. Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I took my prenatal classes through Rock the Cradle back in 2019 and felt knowledgeable, calm and confident about giving birth a few months later. Their classes are far from boring and really prepare soon-to-be parents for what’s to come in a fun, informative way.
The owner of Rock the Cradle, Sylvia Otvos, is not just super fun but also has a mission of empowering women to trust and use their unique voice in childbirth and beyond.
7. Hypnobirthing Classes by na ta dou
Founded by a duo of incredible women and doulas, Mika Rock and Jenny Bee, na ta dou offers hypnobirthing classes to bring families back to the essence of birthing. Based on the tried and proven Mongan Method, Mika and Jenny teach self-hypnosis, a variety of breathing techniques, visualizations and affirmations – providing expectant parents with many tools to experience a peaceful and gentle birth.
In addition to being extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth, Jenny and Mika have a very grounding presence and super calming voices – ideal for hypnobirthing.
Fun fact: I was lucky to have Mika by my side as my birth doula, and Jenny during my prenatal classes and my postpartum doula training.
Holistic Health Services
8. ASK Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Located in Westmount, ASK Physiotherapy is a pelvic floor physiotherapy clinic treating men, women and the transgender community for urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Especially after pregnancy and birth, many women may want to evaluate and strengthen their pelvic floor health as part of their postnatal healing journey. Common pelvic floor challenges in postpartum include incontinence, urinary urgency or frequency or painful intercourse.
I decided to take physiotherapy sessions with ASK Physiotherapy a few months into postpartum. In only four sessions after giving birth to my first daughter, I became so much stronger, had more endurance and control of my pelvic floor.
9. Svea Gordon: Naturopath, Homeopath & Arvigo Practitioner
Svea Gordon is a Montreal-based Classical Homeopath, Traditional Naturopath and and Arvigo Practitioner of Mayan Abdominal Therapy® (AKA Mayan Abdominal uterine/fertility massage). Although Svea sees clients for many different health complaints, she specializes in fertility and women's health issues (menstrual complaints, PMS, pregnancy complaints, etc.).
I engaged with Svea back in 2020 when we were trying to troubleshoot our daughter’s silent reflux, digestive discomfort and sleep troubles. Svea has a holistic approach and was able to give practical, effective recommendations to help us improve my daughter’s health and therefore the overall wellbeing of our family. Thanks to her, we found out that we faced a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) with our little one.
www.montreal-fertility.com/about-svea-naturopath-fertility/
Clothing, Diapering & Baby Gear
10. Boutique Mère Hélène
I came across Mère Hélène (previously known as “Câlins et popotin”) when I moved to the La Petite Patrie neighbourhood in Rosemont, Montreal, and was looking for guidance about cloth diapering. Their store close to Beaubien Est/ Papineau is not just beautiful but their staff is also wonderful in guiding you in all things maternity and baby.
Let me tell you, they do know their stuff in cloth diapers but can offer so much more to pregnant women and new mothers in Montreal. From baby-wearing and cloth diapering workshops to maternity/ nursing clothes and baby gear, toys and clothes – Mère Hélène has become my one-stop shop for all things baby and maternity.
Pro tip: Check out their Facebook page to see their latest events in your neighbourhood.
11. Melons and Clementines
Located in NDG, Melons and Clementines is a unique concept store in Montreal specializing in breastfeeding products. Founded in 2010, the mission of Melons and Clementines is to normalize breastfeeding is to ensure the developmental continuum for a healthier society.
They have everything from nursing clothes and bras to pumping equipment, baby carriers and more. I used to visit their NDG boutique on Sherbrooke West to meet my lactation consultant (ICBLC) when my daughter was diagnosed with severe lip and tongue ties, and it’s a beautifully welcoming environment.
Breastfeeding
12. Nourri-Source Montreal
As part of the overarching Nourri-Source Federation, Nourri-Source Montreal was founded to strengthen breastfeeding-friendly communities and environments so that breastfeeding mothers and their families can live a positive nursing experience.
I started engaging with Nourri-Source back in 2019 when I decided to get the support of a so-called “breastfeeding godmother” to prepare for my own breastfeeding journey – and boy, am I glad I did! In addition to being completely free of charge, Nourri-Source really helped me troubleshoot some issues that I experienced breastfeeding my newborn, including forceful letdown reflex, painful latch, severe oral ties and clogged ducts.
Now, I am training to become a breastfeeding godmother myself to help other struggling mothers along their breastfeeding journey.
Pro tip: If you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed or currently breastfeeding, I highly recommend you sign up for a free breastfeeding godmother to guide you on your journey.
Photography
13. Michelle Little Photography
Ever since taking my pregnancy photos with Michelle Little back in January 2020, she has become the go-to photographer for our family. Michelle is a lifestyle family photographer with a focus on storytelling photography.
I have to say that she has the most amazing eye for capturing natural and raw moments. She does everything from maternity shoots to newborn and family photos later down the road. Her studio is in a gorgeous old factory building in trendy Saint-Henri and is equipped with tons of props but she also accommodates outdoor shoots if you prefer to take your shots outside.
Fun fact: The picture above was taken by Michelle during our maternity photoshoot back in 2020. What a trip down memory lane!
www.michellelittlephotography.com
Community & Playgroups
14. WowMoms World Montreal
WowMoms World Montreal is a fun, beautiful, safe environment for relaxation, healthy living and activities for babies, children, parents, grandparents and friends! Located at the intersection of highways 40 and 15 (in the Triangle), WowMoms offers a bunch of fun and age-appropriate classes from yoga to mommy and me classes, ballet, jazz and HIIT workouts for the parents.
In addition to offering classes for you and your little ones, you can also host parties at their locations, sign your little one up for an imaginative playdate or summer camp, and sip a delicious latté in their café.
15. Bouge Petit
Located in the La Petite Patrie/ Rosemont neighbourhood, Bouge Petit is like an indoor playground for your little ones! Open all year round, but especially practical in those cold winter months, Bouge Petit is equipped with a bunch of toys, climbing structures and games to stimulate your child’s physical and motor development.
What’s so genius about Bouge Petit is that it also has a café section so that the adults can take a break and a sip a coffee or enjoy a snack while their littles are putting their skills to the test. It accommodates babies and young children between the ages of 3 months to 3 years. Reservation is required.