When should I make contact with the Labour and Delivery triage?
Please contact the Labour and Delivery triage if:
- You believe that you’re in labour
- You believe that your water has broken
- You are having contractions prior to 36 weeks
- You have any additional concerns
Does Stevenson provide epidurals?
Yes, epidurals are available 24/7 as an anesthetist is always on call. Other pain management options are available. Please discuss with your nurse or midwife.
When can I begin breastfeeding my baby?
Breastfeeding can begin soon after a baby is born, with the help of specific instructions from a nurse or midwife. If you are having any difficulties breastfeeding your baby, a nurse is also available to meet with any mother. Mothers who wish to use breast pumps are able to rent.
What should I bring with me?
- Toothbrush and paste
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Kleenex
- Brush/comb
- Nightgowns
- Underwear
- Housecoat
- Slippers
- Lip balm
- Powder,oil or lotion for massage
- Warm socks
- Tapes/ CDs and player
- Personal focal point
- Snacks for support person
- Favourite juice
- Pillow
- Phone list
- Cash (including change for vending machine)
- Book
- Long distance calling card
- Peripads and Diapers for baby
Is there a cafeteria?
Yes, our cafeteria, located on the lower level of the hospital, offers patients, staff and visitors a variety of snacks, fresh-brewed coffee, tea and a wide variety of juices and cold beverages. Vending machines are available 24 hours a day. The Auxillary gift shop also offers refreshments.
Meals will be delivered to your room. There is a kitchen equipped with an ice machine, toaster, fridge, as well as coffee and tea for patients.
What happens if my baby needs to be transferred?
As a level 1 facility, our highly skilled team is competent in maternal and newborn care including the resuscitation and stabilization of newborns until transferred to a facility that provides intensive care.
When are visiting hours?
Visiting is open for support persons and siblings, but they must be supervised at all times. Please do not bring children to the hospital if they have been feeling unwell or have been in contact with anybody with infectious diseases..
What type of room will I have?
There are four spacious birthing rooms.Patient's who've had an uncomplicated vaginal birth are usually in the hospital for 24-48 hours while mothers who have been given caesarean sections are usually there from 24-48 hours. Depending on the complicatedness of the delivery, the new mother may be transferred.
How do I register my baby at Stevenson?
Stevenson provides new mothers with a package, including a booklet that provides them with more information about the hospital, birth registration and tax credit forms.
What is newborn hearing screening?
Every newborn in Ontario has their hearing screened in the community or at the hospital that they were born. The process is free of charge, simple, reliable and comfortable for your baby. The technology includes putting a small earphone in the baby's ear and measuring the ear's response. You might need to participate in follow up testing to confirm the results of your first test.
What is skin-to-skin care?
Skin-to-skin care, also called Kangaroo Care or Kangaroo Mother Care, is holding a baby bare chest to bare chest. This practice helps newborns adjust to being outside the womb. It is ideally done immediately after birth and as much as you can during the first few days of life. Skin-to-skin care can be done by both mother and father. It is especially useful for dad to hold his baby this way if mother is unavailable because of medical procedures.
