What is the BPCP?

A multifaceted prenatal and parenting support program that improves the health and well-being of mothers and their children in the Ottawa area.

Every year in our community, socially, financially and culturally isolated women become mothers. Some of these women have partners, most do not, and all are "at risk" for experiencing difficulties in parenting.

The BPCP provides support through four main avenues: Birth Companions, Parent Companions, Breastfeeding support, and The Network.

The Birth and Parent Companion Program is unique in that it spans the entire pregnancy, birth and early child development phases, and addresses unique needs in each phase.

A brief history of the BPCP

Established in 1991, the Birth and Parent Companion Program is committed to building healthier families from the very beginning. Every year in our community, socially, financially and culturally isolated women become mothers. Some of these women have partners, most do not, and all are at risk for experiencing difficulties in parenting. The Birth and Parent Companion Program is the only support of its kind in our community. Its excellent reputation and positive outcomes have fostered many successful partnerships within the community.

Two part time staff, with a very modest budget, recruit, train and supervise over 140 committed volunteers. Our volunteers come from many backgrounds and can support women in many languages including: Arabic, Creole, Cantonese, English, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Somali, Spanish, Russian, and Urdu.

Canadian Mothercraft of Ottawa-Carleton

Canadian Mothercraft of Ottawa-Carleton (CMOC) is a charitable, non-profit organization that provides programs and services for parents with infants and young children. For six decades, CMOC has been a respected family service and child care centre in our community. Our mission statement is to enhance the well being of families through responsive, quality services and we achieve this by developing innovative programs and support services. The Birth and Parent Companion Program is one of those extraordinary programs.

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