Maternal and Infant Care at WPSHC
Congratulations! We are so grateful to support you through this next stage of your life. At WPSHC we prioritize the safety and well-being of both mothers and babies. Our experienced team is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and personalized birthing experience, offering advanced medical support when needed. Whether you’re preparing for your first delivery or an experienced parent, we’re here to guide you through every step of your childbirth journey with the utmost care and attention.
WPSHC provides low-risk obstetrical services (Perinatal and Birthing Level 1b Centre) and are prepared to provide safe transportation when advised. Our team of qualified perinatal nurses work collaboratively the physician or midwife in charge of your care to provide compassionate labour and delivery support, as well as post-partum care.
Our obstetrical unit includes spacious birthing rooms and access to high-quality tools and services. Each birthing experience is unique, and your team may include other health care professionals such as our surgical and anesthesiology team, allied health professionals and consultants as required. We encourage you to speak about your unique care with your health care team at any point during your journey with us.
Pre-admission
Prior to your delivery we welcome expectant patients and their support-person to come and tour our OB department. You can arrange a visit by calling (705) 746-4540 ext. 3060. When you arrive for your tour, you will need to speak with the Visitor Coordinator in the main lobby and participate in routine screening.
Upon Admission
On your way to our OB Department, you may have been given instructions on calling your primary care provider for your perinatal care. Often our staff will liaise with your provider and will be prepared for your arrival.
Upon arrival during regular operating hours, you will be asked to stop at our Admissions Department to register. If you are arriving at WPSHC outside of regular operating hours, your point of entry will be our Emergency Department.
Support During Your Stay
During your labour and delivery, a member of our team will provide your direct care. You may also wish to designate a support people to be present with you during this time.
After your baby arrives, you may wish to see family and visitors, speak with your care team about the current visitor guidelines on the unit.
What to Bring with You
- Your Health Card
- Your Birth plan (if applicable)
- Comfortable clothing (loose, soft clothes for after delivery)
- A robe and slippers
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- Hair ties or headbands
- Snacks, drinks and a water bottle
- Phone and charger
- Camera
- Maternity bras and nursing pads
- Going-home outfit for baby
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby blanket (for the ride home)
- A properly installed car-seat
- Cash or credit card (for incidentals or parking)
- List of important contacts (family and health care providers)
- Medications or prenatal vitamins (if prescribed)
- Personal documents (medical records, if needed)
- Books, magazines, or entertainment
- Personal items as required by your support person
At our health center, we practice rooming-in, ensuring that mothers and babies stay together throughout their hospital stay. This approach promotes bonding, strengthens the connection between mother and baby, and supports successful breastfeeding. By keeping mothers and babies in the same room, we allow for more personalized care, as our experienced staff can assist with feeding, diapering, and comfort, all while fostering a calm, nurturing environment. Rooming-in also allows parents to feel more confident and empowered as they begin their journey of caring for their newborn in the first few days of life.
During your post-partum stay our team will provide routine screening for both mother and baby. Some routine tests will be conducted on your new family member, including bilirubin testing and weight checks. You may be introduced to members of our Laboratory team during this process. You will also be offered the RSV vaccination that is encouraged for newborns to assist their developing immune system.
Prior to your departure our team will ask you to fill out a Patient Experience Feedback form that is specific to our Obstetrical Department. This information is reviewed by the entire team and used in our mission towards continuous improvement. We are very grateful for your participation and feedback.
Registration
Once you baby arrives it is important that their birth is registered. This is required in order for them to receive their birth certificate and accompanying government benefits, such as the Child Tax Benefit.
There are two parts of birth registration:
- WPSHC completes an initial registration.
- Parents are required to complete the registration through Service Ontario. This can be done by visiting
ServiceOntario.ca/Newborn. Their 5-in-1 bundle allows parents to conveniently register the birth, apply for a Social Insurance Number, receive a birth certificate and sign up for child benefits all in one place.
If you feel you need assistance for any reason completing this registration our staff are more than happy to help you! Please speak with one of the nurses on your care team, or reach out to our Patient Navigator.
Newborn Wellness Check: Passport
During your stay you should have received a passport from your care team that provides a number of online resources regarding your newborns wellness.
How do I get there?
From the Main Lobby (3rd floor entrance):
- Continue straight across the lobby and down the hallway towards Hava Java Coffee Shop.
- At the end of the hallway take a right.
- Take that hallway all the way to the end and take a left.
- Proceed past the first Unit Desk on the left-hand side. You will pass by a rehab gym, through a set of doors and will find the OB/Palliative Unit Desk on your right-hand side.
