Respite care

New moms (and dads) sometimes need a little help, particularly if they don't have family or close friends in town, if baby has health issues or if there are young siblings who also need attention.  Sources for paid respite care are:

• Canadian Mothercraft, located at 475 Evered Avenue (2 blocks west of Churchill and just south of Byron) has a respite/part-time program for children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age.  Parents leave their children in the care of the centre for a set period of time.  Spaces are limited.  See their website at http://www.mothercraft.com/early_learning/Respite.php
• Dovercourt Recreation Centre has a "Kindercorner" so that a mom or dad can take a fitness or other class at the centre (or just sit in the lobby having a coffee and having some....well, thoughts, that don't necessarily even relate to baby).  Parents are typically expected to remain on the premises so that if your child is having difficulty adapting to the situation they can find you.   The program is led by the ECE coordinator Karin and staff are friendly and very accomodating.  They will take infants of any age and do have exercausers and other infant toys available.   The program is available from 8:15 to 11:45 daily.  One visit (1.5 hours) costs $6.50 and passes for 5, 10 or 15 visits are also available as is an unlimited pass for 3 months.  You do not need to book ahead since if more staff is needed they will pull them from other areas in the Centre.  For more information see http://www.dovercourt.org/hf_kinderkorner.html
• Susanne Carlon, an Ottawa mother and babysitter/caregiver has recently started offering her services.  Check out her website at  https://sites.google.com/site/ottawababyrespite.  She will come to your home and work with your family.  Rates range from $15/hr (or $40 for 3 hrs) for daytime to $20 for early morning and evening to $125 for overnight.  She can also be reached by phone at (613) 218-9543.
• Part-time care givers often advertise their services on Kijiji Ottawa or Craigslist.