Arriving at the hospital

Your Health Care Provider will inform you when to call or come to Hospital, when you are having contractions or when your “water breaks”.

Once you arrive at the hospital, go directly to admitting. Do not stop and wait for the triage nurse. The admitting clerks will make sure you get safely to the Labour and Delivery Suite.

Upon arrival in the Labour Suite:

• A nurse will ask you many questions to obtain a history about your pregnancy and labour
• A vaginal exam will be done
• Your temperature, blood pressure and pulse will be taken
• You will be connected to a electronic fetal monitoring machine for at least 30 minutes
• Do not forget to share your birth plan
  

During Labour

There is a phone in each birthing room. Please feel free to use it. The use of cell phones is highly discouraged in the delivery suite.

• Someone will be continuously assessing your baby and your progress in labour
• Periodic vaginal exams will be performed
• You will be assisted with different comfort measures and positioning
• You will be encouraged to empty your bladder frequently

• You will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to decrease your risk of dehydration

• Only 2 visitors are allowed with you in labour
  

After delivery:

The first hour after the baby is born is a very special time. Not only has a baby been born but a new family has been created. Take the first 60 minutes for you, your partner and baby to get to know each other and breastfeed baby for the first time. Your family and friends will be happy to wait while you enjoy this special time.

We encourage a family member to stay overnight with new mothers on the post partum unit.If the mother’s partner is unable to fill this role another family member will be welcome. This person will be part of the teaching/learning process and will be expected to help mom as needed.
Occasionally if the mother is in a semi-private or ward room this may not be possible. We must show respect for all women on the unit.
A nurse will be checking on mom and baby throughout the night so remember to wear appropriate clothing.
Food is provided for mothers only.The cafeteria and coffee kiosks are available for family members.

Mom

• Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked quite frequently immediately after delivery
• If you have stitches ice may be applied
• Pain pills will be made available to you
• You may drink and eat as you wish
• You will be helped to the washroom and shown how to care for your vaginal bleeding or stitches if you have them
  

Baby

• Immediately after delivery ALL babies are placed skin to skin with their mothers for a minimum 60 minutes if baby is stable. This helps to facilitate breastfeeding and bonding
• Some babies require suctioning
• All babies get an injection of vitamin K and antibiotic ointment put in their eyes. This can be done while baby is skin to skin with mother
• Identification bracelets will be placed on you, the baby and your birth companion
• You will be assisted with breastfeeding and taught how to recognize when you baby is ready to eat
• Baby will be weighed after the initial skin to skin time with mother