Obstetrics

Yes, patients and their support person can re-enter. This may include packing food (most rooms have a fridge and you can pack a small cooler) and other items needed.

Masking requirements in hospital change based on community and hospital viral burden throughout the year.  If masks are required, there will be signs and masks at the entrance.  Masks are encouraged for anyone who is feeling unwell including yourself and your partner.  Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is encouraged to do so.

Yes, if a patient is COVID-19 probable or confirmed, they can still give birth at our hospital. However, staff will take extra precautions to limit the risk of exposure to the virus. We still encourage breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care and for the baby to stay in room. In this case, the patient will be encouraged to practice strict hand hygiene and will be provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when caring for the baby.

Many physicians are seeing babies 2-3 days after discharge, but some may be doing over-the-phone assessments.  We encourage expecting mothers to contact their physician prior to admission to avoid the stress of navigating this at the last minute.

A support person can join you at a Maternity appointment and when you are admitted to the hospital to have your baby.

• Personal toiletries (scent free)
• Sanitary Pads (approx. 2 dozen) 
• Old underwear (briefs) 
• Own pillow(s) with colored case
• Oil or Lotion for massage 
• Sleepwear, housecoat & non-skid slippers 
• Clothing to wear home
• Personal entertainment devices (laptop, Bluetooth speaker, tablet etc
• Camera 
• Birthing ball (if desired) 
• Change for vending machine

• Food and drinks 
• Change of clothes
• Sleepwear 

• Food and drinks 
• Change of clothes
• Sleepwear 

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor or the hospital's Labour and Delivery triage if: 

• If your contractions are regular or uncomfortable
• If you think your water is broken (this may be a lot of fluid or a small trickle)
• If you have severe abdominal pain
• If you have vaginal bleeding
• If you have a severe headache or sudden nausea and or vomiting 
• If there is a change in how often your baby is moving
• If you have any other concerns about yourself or your baby
• Please call before coming to the hospital so we can be ready for you

If you are in active labour, please go directly to the Labour and Delivery Unit. Enter the hospital through the emergency entrance and register at Switchboard if you are able, take the elevator to the lower level and follow the signs. 

If you arrive at the hospital after 10:00pm or before 6:30am, use the Emergency Department entrance and register at Switchboard.

Each person's labour is individual, therefore we encourage you to consider the following:

• Bring personal items to make your labour more comfortable i.e., a pillow, music, personal scent-free hygiene items, etc.
• Water therapies including showers and a Jacuzzi are available for pain relief
• 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 and post birth stay
• At headwaters we deliver babies after 35 weeks if mom and baby are stable.   We care for low risk births with some manageable and stable risk factors such as diabetes and mild to moderate hypertension.  If you have or develop a high risk pregnancy, you will be referred to a hospital that includes more specialties in their team to care for you and your baby

Headwaters 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

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. Please keep in mind that at any time, your preferred accommodation may not be available due to clinical needs on the unit.

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.

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 breastfeeding facilitator 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.

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.

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.

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.

Headwaters does not have restricted visiting hours, so you can have up to 2 visitors at any time, in addition to your doula or midwife. A sleeper chair is provided for your partner. Remember, the new mother needs rest so choose visitors carefully.

The length of stay is usually 24 hours for an uncomplicated vaginal birth and 48 hour stay for the normal caesarean birth. 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 parent, a family member, or friend to stay.

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC)
HBHC is a parenting support program for:  Pregnant women Parents with young children (who aren’t in school yet). It’s free, and we come to your home! To find out more, call Let’s Talk Parenting at 1.800.265.7293 x3616.

Let’s Talk Parenting 
Speak to a public health nurse about pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting or child health. Our pregnancy and parent help telephone line.

Dufferin County EarlyON and Family Centres