During the Delivery
- The father/significant other and/or one additional designated individual may attend the mother for labour and delivery.
- If unforeseen circumstances occur, the above noted individuals may be asked to leave.
Visitors
- The father/significant other or designated individual may visit at any time to enable participation in newborn teaching and care. This individual is not classified as a 'visitor'.
- The hospital does not provide overnight accommodation for the father or designate.
- Grandparents may visit from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- All others may visit from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Siblings of the newborn: other children in the family may visit with the father/significant other at any time during the parental visit. The children may also be brought by a visitor from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 8 pm. The individual bringing children to visit is responsible for their supervision and care.
- All children visiting must be free of childhood disease.
- Visitors must identify themselves at the Nurses' station, stating whom they wish to visit.
Will my baby stay in the room with me?
- We encourage care of your baby in your room for the entire post-partum period. Babies are never to be left unattended in your room. If you must be away from your baby for any reason (ie. Shower) ask your nurse.
Will someone teach me about breastfeeding?
- DRHC is a breast-feeding friendly hospital. In the interest of giving infants the best possible start in life, nursing staff will encourage and help new mothers to successfully initiate and continue to breastfeed their babies. Artificial nipples and soothers are avoided.
Security for my baby:
- ID Bracelets: Your baby, you and your spouse/partner will wear identically numbered ID bracelets. These will be applied soon after the birth of your baby. If you do not have a spouse/partner, you may designate one individual as your support person at time of admission. If your baby has been away from you, for any reason (ie receiving care in the Nursery), he/she will only be given to you, or the individual wearing the identical ID bracelet. The caregiver is to compare information on your baby's band to yours, or your partner's, before giving the baby over to you.
- All hospital personnel are required to wear standard photo identification. The hospital log, the employee's name and department/title are clearly stated on the card. The card it to be fully visible at all times. Question anyone who enters your room without hospital ID. Ask why they are there and report their presence immediately to your nurse and another unit staff member.
- If your baby requires tests or procedures that will take place out of your room, your doctor or nurse will explain the test/procedure to you, where it will take place, and how long it will take. You or your nurse must accompany your baby to other departments in the hospital.
- Please do not walk around the patient unit carrying your baby, or allow your visitors to do so.
- Your caregivers are required to introduce themselves to you. If they do not, please ask them who they are, and what their purpose is in your room.
- Please rely upon your primary nurse for information and advice. If in doubt, ask questions!
Do I need an infant car seat to bring my baby home from the hospital?
- Yes! You must bring the car seat to the hospital when it is time to take your baby home. It is the law that all babies are transported in a CSA approved infant car seat. There is help available to answer your questions about installation of the car seat.
Where can I go for answers to my questions when I leave the hospital?
- Everyone signs a form for Healthy Babies, Health Children. Unless you have indicated otherwise, a nurse from the Northwestern Health Unit will be contacting you within 24 - 48 hours of discharge. All families are offered a follow-up home visit by a Public Health Nurse.
- Moms can also contact the DRHC nursing station at 223-8258 with questions or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866 797-0000.
- The Dryden Children's Resource Centre offers ongoing support to parents of young children.
Call us at 223-8243, if you have questions prior to your admission. Your comments and/or suggestions are always welcome.
