Dealing with the unexpected

There are times when the best and safest option is a C-section birth. This may not be your plan, but it is important to know what to expect.

Our goal is to keep families together. Your cesarean section and recovery may be done with your baby and partner/support person with you at all times. Or you may go to the recovery room where your baby and support person can rejoin you after the anesthetic has worn off (usually one to two hours).

Late preterm babies are born three to five weeks early, or between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm babies are at higher risk of breathing difficulties, sucking and swallowing problems, jaundice, infections and maintaining body temperature.

As a result, you will likely remain in hospital a little longer than usual. Late preterm babies can often stay with you on the maternity ward and do not need to be separated from you for long, if at all. Learn more about caring for your late preterm baby.

If your baby needs some extra care adjusting to life, we have specialists here to help them.

Pediatricians are available and if your baby needs extra nursing attention, he or she will be taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The NICU staff will take special care of your baby. But understand you play a big role in your baby’s care. Learn what to expect and how to care for your baby in NICU.

We want to ensure the safest environment for both you and your baby. Situations may arise where we may have to transfer you to another hospital by ambulance.

• If mom presents a medical condition that needs a specialized doctor who is only available at another hospital.
• If you start having signs of labour too early or your baby requires special medical needs, you may be transferred to a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
• If a maternity unit becomes too full with many babies born at the same time, you may be transferred to another hospital with available room. This is rare but may occur.

All our maternity units follow the same guidelines and strive to offer the same services.

Breastfeeding is natural but not always easy at first. Like any new skill, with time and practice you will feel more comfortable and confident. Review the breastfeeding section to prepare yourself. Common challenges include latching, having enough milk, sore nipples and sore breasts.

The loss of a baby is devastating. Learn more about pregnancy loss and grief.