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HomeCare ServicesLabour and Delivery
 
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Labour and Delivery

Giving Birth at BCHS

Every year at BCHS we welcome some 1,500 babies into the world. The Family Birthing Centre has five Labour and Delivery rooms available with 14 beds available post-delivery. Our dedicated team works hard to ensure the whole family is cared for.

 

Options for Care and Delivery

Health care providers are working in groups to provide 24 hour care all year around, including holidays and vacations.

In Brantford and Brant County, obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives provide maternity care in a normal pregnancy, while complicated cases are usually referred to an obstetrician. It is best to discuss your individual situation with your family doctor.

The information gathered during your pregnancy will be recorded on a special ante-natal form. That way, any nurse, doctor, midwife, or other health care provider who reviews your prenatal record can be brought up to date about your pregnancy.

 Pain Relief Options

Every labour experience is unique—and so is your perception of pain. At Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), our Labour and Delivery team offer a variety of medical and non-medical pain relief options to support your comfort while in our care and when you are discharged home.

Water Therapy

Both warm and cool water can help relieve pain during all stages of labour. Whether in hospital or at home, options like a hot or cold bath, shower, or compress can offer comfort—especially in early labour. Each of the labour rooms at BCHS have a private shower. There is also one immersion tub on the ward (different than a birthing tub used for delivery) available to those who wish to use it. Access to the tub may depend on the need to monitor your baby, so please discuss with your healthcare team.

Movement and Repositioning

Changing positions during each stage of labour can help provide some pain relief and is often encouraged to help progress the labour process. This may include walking, standing, or using aids to modify your position in bed. We offer latex-free birthing balls and peanut positioning balls to modify positions to give the greatest relief to our patients. The birthing ball is used for positioning while you are mobile, while the peanut ball is used to position you while in bed. Both types of balls are used to support your comfort.  

Massage

Massage can be a highly effective form of pain relief for many people during labour. Attending prenatal classes are a great opportunity to learn and practice massage techniques ahead of time. It’s also a great way for partners or support people to be actively involved in the process. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines are not available at BCHS; however, you are welcome to bring your own if approved by your care team. TENS machines provide short-term pain relief by sending small electrical pulses through the skin to the nervous system, reducing the body’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. 

Narcotic Pain Relief

Narcotics are a type of pain medication that can be given during labour to help manage discomfort. These medications are administered by a nurse, either through an intravenous or as a muscle injection. They are generally considered safe for both mom and baby when used at specific times and doses. Possible side effects include drowsiness in both the mom and baby. Monitoring is provided to watch for any side effects that may occur. The relief provided by narcotics is time limited and may require re-administration. The decision to use narcotics during labour is decided by the patient, based on their needs and wishes for pain relief. Any person who does not wish to receive narcotics can communicate this to their healthcare provider. 

Epidural

An epidural is a common and effective option for pain relief during labour and can be requested at any time—from early labour to full dilation. An anesthesiologist will assess if it’s safe to proceed and review the risks and benefits with you prior to proceeding. You must be able to sit or lie still during the procedure for it to be performed safely. Our dedicated anesthesia team is available 24/7. An epidural offers ongoing pain relief throughout labour. Both epidurals and narcotics have benefits and potential risks. We encourage you to talk with your obstetrical care provider about what option best fits your birth plan and personal comfort.

Other Comfort Techniques

Consider non-medical strategies to support relaxation:

  • Focused breathing
  • Music or calming sounds
  • Guided relaxation or visualization

Not every option is right for every person. Prior to arriving at the hospital, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare practitioner about what pain relief options are available to you, and what suits your desired birth experience. It is possible that some options will not be available to you based on your personal health situation. Plus, what works for one person may not be the right option for you. 

 

Preparing for Birth

Click here to view the downloadable and printable PDF version.

The Family Birthing Centre provides excellent care to families with newborns and children. We work in partnership with families and care for them in a supportive manner. To help us serve you better, please see the lists below:

For Mom, please bring:

  • Health card
  • Feminine pads with maximum absorbency for heavy flow
  • Underwear, three to six pair
  • Personal care products
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Soap
    • Brush and comb
    • Shampoo and conditioner
    • Body lotion
    • Moisturizer for lips
  • Supportive or nursing bra
  • Nursing pads
  • Food for labour coach e.g. drinking boxes, chocolate bars, fruit etc.
  • Money for vending machines and Tim Hortons
  • Nightgown or alternate clothing suitable for nursing
  • Lightweight housecoat and slippers
  • Icepack, hot pack, or hot water bottle
  • Cellphone and charger
  • Paper, pen, address book, phone numbers

Optional

  • Pillow - identified by a bright pillowcase
  • Watch with a second hand
  • Popsicles, Freezies
  • Socks

For Partner/Support Person:

  • Pajamas or comfortable clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Money
  • Cellphone and charger
  • Book and music

For Baby, please bring:

  • Package of newborn diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Barrier cream e.g. petroleum jelly
  • Clothing
  • Receiving blanket

For Baby, at time of discharge, a car seat is required.

Taking Pictures

You are welcome to take pictures before and after your baby's birth but during the birth, you are not permitted to use your cellphone, camera or video equipment.

To protect the privacy of BCHS staff, please ask for permission before taking their picture or including them in your video.

Fragrance Free Environment 

In our efforts to provide a healthier place of work and care the BCHS promotes a fragrance free environment to minimize the potential adverse allergic and/or medical reactions that can occur among patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers. Employees, medical staff, volunteers, contractors, patients and visitors are to refrain from using fragrances.

Conditions of Acceptance and Labour Deliver Process (for uninsured patients) 

We are honoured to be part of your care during this special time. If you are not insured under a Canadian government health insurance plan (i.e., non-residents of Canada or uninsured Canadian residents), please download our Conditions of Acceptance and Process for labour delivery policy for uninsured patients here.

Patient Room Options

BCHS is pleased to offer 3 room options during your hospital stay. For more info, please refer to our brochure here.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy 

For more information on pregnancy during COVID-19 see our Coronavirus and Pregnancy Information pamphlet. 

Eat, Sleep, Console

See our Eat, Sleep, Console brochure for information about supporting infants at risk of withdrawal.

Breastfeeding

Many resources and information about the benefits of breastfeeding are available through the Grand Erie Public Health. Many new parents also find taking prenatal classes prior to the arrival of their child helpful.

Partners

BCHS partners with a number of organizations to ensure positive family health. Learn more about the services offered:

Brant County Health Unit

194 Terrace Hill St. Brantford, ON  N3R 1G7
Phone: 519-753-4937
Fax: 519-753-2140

E-mail: email@bchu.org​

https://www.bchu.org/

Ohsweken Public Health Office

Gane Yohs Health Centre
1769 Chiefswood Road
Phone: 519-445-2672
Fax: 519-445-0368

http://www.snhs.ca/ 

Resources

  • Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: Birth
  • Looking for some reliable information for all stages of your pregnancy (and beyond)?
  • Visit the OMAMA website and download the app:

OMAMA

  • Have you already given birth? You can register your baby's birth online, for free, with the Province of Ontario:

Register a birth online

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    The Brantford General

    200 Terrace Hill Street
    Brantford, ON
    N3R 1G9
    519-751-5544

    The Willett, Paris

    238 Grand River St. North
    Paris, ON
    N3L 2N7
    519-442-2251

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