Every year at BCHS, we welcome over 1,500 babies into the world. The Family Birthing Centre has three triage rooms, five private labour and delivery rooms, one operating room with a recovery space, along with 14 post-partum beds. Our dedicated team of skilled nurses, obstetricians, midwives, anesthesiologists, pediatricians and respiratory therapists work hard to ensure the whole family is cared for during their time in our Family Birthing Centre.
Healthcare providers work together in dedicated teams to ensure compassionate, high-quality care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No matter the time or season, we are here for you and your loved ones.
Preparing for Birth
Upon arrival at labour and delivery, you will register yourself with your health card, insurance, or out of country identification with our clerk. Once registered, you will first be placed into a triage room for assessment.
Our labour unit will see patients with a gestation of 20 weeks or greater who have concerns related to their pregnancy, including:
Regular or uncomfortable contractions (labour pains)
Your water has broken
Vaginal bleeding
Change in how often your baby is moving
Blurry vision or seeing spots in your vision
You have been in a car accident, fallen or been injured, even if you think it is minor
You have one or more of these signs of preterm labour:
regular contractions or tightening of your uterus
cramps like a period or a low, dull backache
an increase or change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucousy or bloody)
abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea
Concerns about yourself or your baby
If you are experiencing any of the following above, please call the labour unit at:
519-751-5544 x2355.
Support Persons and Visitors
Two visitors/caregivers for all Labour & Delivery and Post-Partum patients. Unlimited length of visit. Visitors who are under the age of 12 must be siblings and supervised.
Exceptional circumstances requiring more than two visitors/caregivers at a time include: midwife, surrogate parent, adoptive parent
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.
What to Bring
The Family Birthing Centre provides supportive care to families with newborns and children. To help us serve you better, please see the lists below:
For Mom, please bring:
Health card and insurance slip
Feminine pads or disposable briefs with maximum absorbency for heavy flow
Underwear, 3-6 pairs
Personal care products
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap and body wash
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
Cellphone and charger
Book and music
Snacks and drinks
For Baby, please bring:
Package of newborn diapers
Baby wipes
Barrier cream e.g. petroleum jelly
Clothing
Receiving blanket
Breastfeeding pillow
Soother
Nipple shields
Bottles and liquid formula
Frozen colostrum (safe freezer available)
Car seat
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.
Taking Pictures
You are welcome to take pictures before and after your baby's birth, however, 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.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunization
To help protect our smallest patients against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), a common virus that can lead to respiratory infection in babies, BCHS is offering Beyfortus again this season to inpatients on the Family Birthing, NICU and Pediatric units. The preventative antibody provides protection as we approach cold and flu season to help keep our little ones safe.
BCHS supports level 2B care babies greater than 32 weeks in the specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). To find out more about the NICU, please visit www.bchsys.org/nicu.
During your stay, our team of nurses and midwives are accessible and knowledgeable to support your breastfeeding journey. More resources can be found here.
Beyond Birth Program
In partnership with the Pediatrics Department at BCHS and the Midwives of Brant, this innovative program provides newborn follow-up care for up to 8 weeks, including: jaundice screening, weight checks, immunizations, newborn care education, support for breastfeeding and lactation, and peer support for new parents. More information on the Beyond Birth Program can be found here.
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.
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
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