Our highly skilled team of Doctors, Nurses, and Midwives are honoured to be part of this important chapter in your life.
We are committed to ensuring your labour and delivery experience is:

• Safe
• Supportive
• Respectful
• Empowering

We take a holistic approach to your care. Cultural, traditional, and alternative practices can be part of your birthing journey.

Patient and family-centred care is at the heart of our unit.

Our unit includes:

• Two private delivery suites
• Two private postpartum rooms

You will be cared for by a team that may include:

• Registered Nurses
• Physicians and Obstetricians
• Midwives
• Respiratory Therapists

Your baby’s safety is a top priority.

We use an infant security system to support safety on the unit.

The Maternal Newborn Clinic: Supporting Your Journey

Our Maternal Newborn Clinic supports you before and after your baby is born.

Services include:

• Routine prenatal care (if you do not have a provider)
• Mental health support and referrals for pregnancy and postpartum
• Rhogam administration for Rh negative blood type
• Breastfeeding support and education
• Postpartum wellness checks
• Newborn follow-up visits (feeding, weight, jaundice monitoring)

Your prenatal record and birth preferences provide important information for your healthcare team.

Around 36 weeks, please call 519-426-0130 ext. 1279 to:

• Complete pre-admission paperwork
• Review your birth plan
• Ask questions
• Arrange a tour (optional)

• Go to Patient Registration across from Emergency Triage on Level 1
• Park in the West Street parking lot
• Enter through the Emergency Department entrance
• Proceed to the third floor after registration

When you arrive, a nurse will:

• Ask about your labour and health history
• Check your vital signs
• Monitor contractions
• Listen to your baby’s heart rate

A nurse or physician will assess you to determine next steps.
You may:

• Be admitted to a labour room, or
• Be asked to return home if you are in early labour

Throughout your pregnancy:

• Attend regular check-ups
• Monitor your baby’s growth and development
• Ask questions and share concerns

Common tests may include:

• Ultrasounds
• Blood tests
• Genetic screening

These help support a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.

• Patients who are pregnant, in labour, or postpartum may have two visitors at their bedside at a time
• There are no time restrictions for visitors
• Visitors should be healthy and up to date with immunizations
• For privacy, the hospital cannot provide updates to others

Labour support includes emotional, physical, and personalized care during labour.

Support may be provided by:

• A partner
• Family member or friend
• Doula
• Healthcare provider

Labour support can:

• Reduce how intense pain feels
• Decrease the need for pain medication
• Help labour progress more efficiently
• Improve satisfaction with the birth experience
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve communication with your care team
• Support informed decision-making
• Promote bonding and connection
• Improve postpartum well-being

Pain management options include:

Comfort and movement:

• Walking and position changes
• Birthing ball or peanut ball
• Breathing and relaxation techniques

Medical options:

• TENS machine
• Gas and air (nitrous oxide)
• Narcotic medication (if needed)
• Epidural (patient-controlled, available 24/7)

Your care team will discuss benefits and risks and support your choices.

• TENS machine
• Gas and air (nitrous oxide)
• Narcotic medication (if needed)
• Epidural (patient-controlled, available 24/7)

Your care team will discuss benefits and risks and support your choices.

• Skin-to-skin contact to support bonding will be prioritized if able
• Baby’s health will be monitored
• Newborn assessments and screening will be completed with parental consent
• Support with feeding and recovery will be provided

Breastmilk is the best food for your baby.

Recommendations include:

• Breastfeeding for up to 2 years
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
We support the Baby-Friendly Initiative.
Our team will:
• Help you get started with breastfeeding
• Provide education and support
• Connect you with resources after discharge

If you choose not to breastfeed, your decision will be respected and supported

For you:

• Health card and insurance
• Medications
• Comfortable clothing and slippers
• Personal care items
• Nursing bra and breast pads
• Phone and charger
For your baby:

• Diapers and wipes
• Blankets and clothing
• Car seat (required for discharge)

Do not bring:

• Valuables
• Scented products
• Electrical appliances

• Vaginal birth: typically one day
• Caesarean birth: typically one–two days

After discharge:

• Baby should be seen within 24–48 hours
• Follow up with your doctor or midwife in 4–6 weeks

If you are unable to get an appointment, follow-up can be arranged through the Maternal Newborn Clinic

Call your doctor or midwife if you have:

• Fever
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Signs of infection
• Ongoing emotional distress

Call your doctor or midwife if your baby:

• Is very sleepy or very irritable
• Has a fever or low temperature
• Has trouble breathing
• Shows signs of jaundice
• Is not feeding well