Obstetrics/Birthing Unit

No, the Birthing Unit (Obstetrics) at SMH is not closing. We have three obstetricians on staff and are actively recruiting for a fourth obstetrician (OB). There may be some gaps in scheduling as we work to fill our OB complement, but our nurses are here around the clock. We are making every effort possible to ensure that gaps in scheduling are minimized.

If you are in active labour and delivery is imminent or we are unable to transfer you safely to another facility, our OB nursing staff will partner with an Emergency Department physician or surgeon to ensure a safe delivery takes place. Any patient in need of emergency care presenting to the hospital will be cared for.

If you require an assessment and an OB is not available, we will advise you to go to another facility. Once chosen, we will communicate with the hospital to ensure care can be accommodated and that the appropriate patient information/health records are available to them as needed.

Please contact the Birthing Unit triage if:

• You believe that you’re in labour
• You are bleeding or you believe that your water has broken
• You are having contractions before 36 weeks
• You have any additional concerns
• You have not felt your baby move following a Kick Count self-assessment

Yes, epidurals are available 24/7 as an anesthetist is always on call. Other pain management options are available. Please discuss this with your nurse or midwife.

Breastfeeding can begin soon after a baby is born, with help and specific instructions from a nurse or midwife. If you are having any difficulties breastfeeding your baby, a nurse will be happy to assist you.

Please pack lightly, as there is limited space for personal items.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant, comb, lip balm, personal care products
• Heavy flow pads (pull-ups, depends, or nighttime pads)
• Bathrobe
• Nightgown or comfy clothes
• Underwear
• Slippers/sandals
• Warm socks
• Snacks/drinks for support person
• Comfortable pillow

For baby:

• Diapers
• Wipes (1 travel size package is not enough)
• Vaseline
• Sleepers (4)
• Socks/mittens
• Blanket
• Car seat (Leave in the car until discharge)
• Hat
• Bottles/formula (if planning on bottle feeding)

Yes, however, it is closed to patients and families at this time. Limited food is available in vending machines located in the cafeteria.

Meals will be delivered to your room. There is a kitchen equipped with an ice machine, toaster, and fridge, as well as coffee and tea for patients.

A support person can order meals from the hospital for $15/day for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

As a level 1 facility, our highly skilled team is competent in maternal and newborn care including the resuscitation and stabilization of newborns until transferred to a facility that provides intensive care.

Visiting hours are open to 24 hours/day, seven days a week.

There are four spacious birthing rooms. Patients who've had an uncomplicated vaginal birth will remain in hospital for up to 24 hours, while those who have had a Caesarean Section will stay for a full 24hrs

The hospital will provide you with information regarding the Service Ontario 4-in-1 Registration Bundle.

The 4-in-1 Bundle allows you to Register your newborn’s Birth and apply for a Social Insurance Number, Birth Certificate, and Child Tax Credits all at once.

Register birth new baby

Every newborn in Ontario has their hearing screened in the community within the first few months of birth. The process is free of charge, simple, reliable, and comfortable for your baby. The technology includes putting a small earphone in the baby's ear and measuring the ear's response. You might need to participate in follow-up testing to confirm the results of your first test.

Skin-to-skin care, also called Kangaroo Care or Kangaroo Mother Care, is holding a baby's bare chest to a parent's bare chest. This practice helps newborns adjust to being outside the womb. It is ideally done immediately after birth and as much as you can during the first few days of life. Skin-to-skin care can be done by both mother and father. It is especially useful for a dad to hold his baby this way if the mother is unavailable or resting.