Natural methods, pain medications, nitrous oxide and continuous epidural
services are available
A nurse will be with you one-on-one during the "active phase" of your
labour through to the birth of your baby
A support person/s of your choice i.e., friend or relative, is
recommended throughout your labour
We meet the needs of women having a low risk pregnancy
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What happens once I have had my baby?
Headwaters 7 Labour and Delivery Rooms are
comfortable family birthing rooms where mothers labour, deliver,
recover and
"room in" together with their baby/s during their post-partum
care. Patients staying in semi-private
or ward accommodation, are transferred to their room approximately one
hour after delivery where the family centred philosophy continues and
mother and baby "room in" together. Physical assessments from the
healthcare team are done at prescribed intervals for mother and baby,
and on-going health teaching continues.
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What type of room will I have?
We will make every effort to provide the room according to your
insurance coverage. You may upgrade if you wish to pay the difference in
cost, and we have that type of room available.
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What about my baby supplies?
Mothers-to-be are required to bring only their personal scent-free
toiletries. Supplies such as diapers, Vaseline, wipes, feminine pads are
supplied by the hospital at a fee of $20.
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How do I register my baby?
An information package including birth registration, tax credit
forms and lists of community resources offered in Dufferin will be given
to the family on their admission. Information is also included
regarding hospital security, visiting, breastfeeding information and
information on what to expect during the next few days, as a new family.
Please note: Your baby must use the same last name as appears on the
mother's health card while in hospital.
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When can I start breastfeeding my baby?
Breastfeeding will be initiated in Labour and Delivery shortly after
your baby is born. The nurse will offer instruction and guidance,
encouraging good position and proper latch. The process is reinforced,
during your post-partum stay. The lactation consultant is available to
visit any mother who is having difficulty nursing her baby. Mothers who
wish to bottle-feed their babies are asked to provide their own. If they
do not have infant formula it will be supplied in
disposable bottles.
Manual breast pumps are available for purchase or
you may rent an electric breast pump.
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When does my baby receive his/her first bath?
The nurse will demonstrate the initial bath of the newborn to the new
parents. This usually occurs eight (8) hours after delivery, once the
baby's temperature has stabilized. Your nurse will teach you about other
aspects of baby care during your stay. Be sure to ask any questions that
you have.
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What
is newborn hearing screening?
All newborns in Ontario are screened within the first few days or weeks
after birth for hearing problems. You may need to go to a clinic for
follow-up testing to confirm the results of your baby's first test.
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What does the
Nurse do?
The nurses' role of teacher and advocate is ongoing as the new parents
get acquainted with their new baby and become confident in baby care and
self-care. Families are encouraged to work closely with nursing staff to
identify their learning needs for an effective plan to be formed onsite,
as well as community resources. As we are a multi-cultural community,
cultural differences are considered and respected. We focus on your care
first and balancing your medical requirements with your need for family
support and comfort.
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When are
visiting hours?
Headwaters does not have restricted visiting hours, so you can have
visitors at any time. A sleeper chair is provided in the LDRP rooms for
overnight visitors. Remember, the new mother needs rest so choose
visitors carefully.
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How
long do I stay in the hospital?
The length of stay is usually 24-48 hours for an uncomplicated vaginal
birth and 48-72 hour stay for the normal caesarean section delivery.
Patients with medical problems may stay longer than this.
Headwaters promotes 24
hour rooming with baby, unless there is an issue with Mom or Baby. You
will need help during the first 24 hours to assist you with baby and
your own personal care. A sleeper chair is provided for Dad, a family
member, or friend to stay.
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What
programs are available for me when we go home?
The Breastfeeding Clinic provides breastfeeding assistance, jaundice and
dehydration checks, as well as support and health teaching for the new
family.
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