About The Program

The HGH Family Birthing Centre (FBC) team is pleased to be able to share this significant event with you and your family. Thanks to our best practices and state-of-the-art technology, we welcome over 450 families and their newborns every year.

During your pregnancy, your family doctor will refer you for follow-up appointments and hospital delivery. Our team of professionals provides safe, quality, family-centred care. They follow guidelines and standards of practice through the original SG.solutions program, MoreOB, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program.

We encourage you to participate in your healthcare and all health-related decisions actively.

Our Facilities

  • Five (5) specialized rooms equipped for labour, delivery, and the postpartum period, offering ample space for the whole family. These rooms feature private bathrooms with therapeutic baths and large windows for natural light.
  • Three (3) regular rooms offering comfort and privacy, all well-lit and equipped with a spacious bathroom and shower. The accessible shower makes these rooms ideal for cesarean patients.
  • The environment is equipped with an electronic newborn protection system, allowing us always to know their location.

Here’s one of our rooms to give you a glimpse of our facilities:

Our care team

Family physicians who deliver babies
Dr. Pascale Hunter Poelman Dr. Laura Brown Dr. Mélissa Brunet
Dr. Émilie Langlois Dr. Jeff P. Graham

Obstetrician | Gynecologists
Dr. Stephanie Ahken Dr. Milena Garofalo Dr. Mathieu Legault
Dr. Stéphanie Paquette

Visitor’s Policy

  • Labour and delivery: Two (2) people are allowed to accompany the patient throughout the labour and delivery.
  • Post-delivery: Three (3) people (including attendants and children) are welcome depending on the patient’s preference.

*A quiet period is in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

  • Special care: If your baby requires special care, a transfer to a specialized centre will be organised. HGH does not have any nursery facilities.

General information

How long will I stay in the hospital?

Your hospital stay usually lasts from twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours for a vaginal birth and from forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours for a cesarean section. The duration may vary according to the state of health of the patient and baby.

What is my discharge time?

When the most responsible physician (MRP) authorises your discharge from the hospital, we ask you to complete your discharge arrangements and vacate your room within one hour. Preparing your newborn’s car seat and planning your ride home is essential.

Should I bring food?

At HGH, you’re free to choose. You can enjoy various meals, drinks and snacks from our kitchen or bring your own for your stay. Please note that each room is equipped with a mini refrigerator where you can store your food.

For accompanying persons, the cafeteria serves meals that can be purchased Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Do you deliver multiples?

If your doctor is attached to HGH, we can offer you some services. However, our hospital does not yet cover the delivery of twins, triplets, or other multiples. We encourage you to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary steps for your delivery.

Health Card

Canadians without a health card

Any Canadian who needs health care must have a health card issued by their province or territory to gain access to the universal health care system. If you do not have a health card, it is possible to pay the full amount of expenses incurred during visits, including examinations, consultations, procedures, products, services, etc.

You can also obtain a card issued by your province or territory before you give birth. To do so, please consult the Government of Canada’s Health Cards section. We recommend that you complete and return your form quickly, as it can take up to three months before you benefit from public health insurance.

If these options are not for you, you can always contact a private insurer, as they may be able to cover some of the costs involved.

Non-residents of Canada

Anyone who does not have a health insurance card issued by a Canadian province or territory must pay the full amount of expenses incurred by the mother and newborn during their visits, including examinations, consultations, procedures, products, services, etc.

If this applies to you, please get in touch with the clerk at (613) 632-1111 extension 52003 for more information. Do not forget to mention if a private insurance plan covers you. For all cost information, our clerk can refer you to the finance department.

Here is a relevant resource from Best Start by Health Nexus: Giving Birth in a New Land (PDF).

 

  • From the start of your pregnancy to the 28th week, appointments are scheduled every four weeks with your obstetrician.
  • From week 28 to 36, follow-up appointments are scheduled every second week with your obstetrician, and then every week at the hospital until delivery.
  • For your first appointment, it is very important that we receive your present pregnancy medical history from your family doctor, including all lab, ultrasound and IPS results.
  • During your first appointment, a nurse will explain the process for the upcoming weeks, including hospital pre-registration and the signing of consent to treatment.
  • The Family Birthing Centre and the Obstetrical Clinic physicians and nurses work as a team and you will most likely meet all of them during your follow-up appointments.
  • On delivery day, the physician on call will assist you.

You need to know several essential things before arriving at the hospital for your delivery. Consult the sections below to learn more about various topics and to be well prepared.

A Healthy Pregnancy

Congratulations, you just found out that you’re pregnant! To have a healthy pregnancy, being well informed and making the best choices for you and your baby is essential.

Here are two guides to help you during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.

Smoking?

Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke raise several risks during pregnancy for both you and your baby. Get help to quit smoking. Ask our FBC team to have a consult with our HGH Quit Smoking Program. You can also consult: 

Prenatal classes

Prenatal classes are valuable opportunities to learn what to expect during pregnancy.

Ontario residents: To register for prenatal classes offered by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), visit the Prenatal Classes | EOHU | Public Health. If you prefer a complete virtual program, they also offer Une Nouvelle Vie, where you can learn at your own pace and schedule.

Quebec residents:

Concerns about my pregnancy

Here’s who you should contact, depending on which stage you’re currently at.

Less than 20 weeks of pregnancy

More than 20 weeks of pregnancy
Contact your physician or go to the Emergency Department. We encourage you to contact your obstetrical physician if you have any concerns.

If it’s impossible, call our Family Birthing Centre. The healthcare professionals will assess you on the phone and schedule an appointment in person if needed.

613-632-1111, extension 52001

*During pregnancy appointments, your physician will discuss the importance of fetal movement counting.
Obstetrics clinic: (613) 632-1111, extension 52003

If necessary, you can contact a nurse at (613) 632-1111, extension 52001.

Physician for your newborn

Before birth, you must have chosen a physician to care for the newborn (family physician or paediatrician). We recommend that you make an appointment within forty-eight (48) hours of your discharge from the hospital.

Here are resources to help you find a physician or a nurse practitioner:

What to bring

Here’s a list of what you need for your hospital stay. Please be aware that the HGH is a fragrance-free environment, so we ask you not to bring any scented products.

** Please DO NOT bring jewelry, large amounts of cash, or valuables. The HGH is not responsible for loss or theft. **

For the person giving birth

Essentials

  • Up-to-date list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements
  • Health card
  • Insurance card/information, if applicable
  • Reusable water bottle
  • MAXI sanitary pads with wings or Depend absorbent underwear
  • Slippers with non-slip soles
  • Pyjamas, bathrobe and/or comfortable clothes
  • Loose, comfortable underwear
  • Nursing bra, nursing pads
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
  • Clothes for going home (approximately the size of the fourth month of pregnancy)

Recommended, but optional

  • Birth plan, if applicable
  • Lip balm
  • Support kit with massage oil, tennis balls, wooden rollers (massage technique), etc.
  • Pen and writing pad
  • Entertainment: Mobile, Tablet, with charger, book, magazines, etc.
  • Snacks, if desired
  • Moisturiser
  • Nursing pillow
  • Pillow

For the newborn

  • Newborn or size one diaper (one bag)
  • Alcohol and fragrance-free wipes
  • Blankets
  • Pyjamas
  • Hat
  • Going home clothes (depending on the weather)
  • Regulated car seat. *It is essential to have a regulated car seat that meets Transport Canada Child’s car seat safety.
    • You’ll need to know how to use it before you give birth, and you’ll need to bring it to the hospital on the day of discharge.

For the accompanying person

  • Pillow
  • Cell phone with charger and other entertainment articles
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toiletries (unscented)
  • Meals and snacks, if desired
  • Change of clothes

Car Seat

A properly used car seat can save your baby’s life and is essential to leave our hospital. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before your baby is born and follow all age, height, and weight specifications.

How to properly use a car seat:

                • Place the baby in the seat on the back seat of your car, facing rearward.
                • Car seat straps, belts, and harnesses should fit snugly.
                • Make sure the harness straps are at shoulder height or slightly lower.
                • Check that the harness straps are not twisted or folded.
                • Fasten the buckle.
                • Close the chest clip on the harness and position it at armpit level.
                • Tighten the harness straps on their shoulders. To check that they are tight enough, you can place a finger between the strap and their collarbone and pull it up (the strap should be tight on your finger) or try to pinch the strap that passes over their shoulder with your thumb and forefinger (if you can’t pinch it, the fit is tight enough).
                • Make sure the seat handle is in the position the manufacturer recommends.
                • Here are some relevant resources:

Proceed to the Family Birthing Centre when you arrive at HGH to give birth. The team will assess and assign you a room if you meet all the criteria.

For more information on the start of labour to the first few days, consult the Delivery resource from Tiny Tot to Toddler (PDF).

Types of delivery

Vaginal Birth

Cesarean Section
This method involves giving birth to a child through the vaginal canal. This method is often preferred to cesarean section, as it offers faster recovery and fewer risks. During a vaginal birth, the mother goes through the various phases of labour, such as contractions and pushing. A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure during which a physician makes an incision through seven layers to remove the baby and placenta. This procedure can be planned or performed on an emergency basis.
Learn more about comfort measures and pain management:

 Learn more about C-sections:

For more information on what is available and what can be done during your labour and delivery at HGH, ask your obstetrical providers or call us at the Family Birthing Center: 613-632-1111, extension 52003

After birth, many resources and programs can help you adjust to this new reality, both during your hospital stay and after returning home.

Birth registration

Two (2) electronic documents must be completed to register their newborn with the Office of the Registrar General—the first by our team of professionals and the second by the parents.

                    1. The first Notice of Birth document is completed by Medical Records staff within forty-eight (48) business hours of your delivery.
                    2. The parents must fill out the second document electronically (via mobile devices or computer) at the following address: Register a birth (new baby) | ontario.ca.
                    3. You can use the 5-in-1 newborn bundle to request essential government documents for your baby online.
                      • Birth registration.
                      • Birth certificates with parental information, which takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks to receive by mail for $25 (recommended option), or certified copy of birth registration, which also takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks to receive by mail for $35.
                      • Social Insurance Number (SIN).
                      • Registration for Canada Child Benefits (including the Ontario-specific child benefits).
                      • Request an Education Savings Referral (optional).

To declare the birth of your newborn, you need to provide the following:

  • Date of birth
  • Baby’s name
  • Parental information (names, date of birth and place of birth)
  • Hospital name (Hawkesbury and District General Hospital)
  • Delivering Physician’s name
  • Baby’s weight at birth
  • Pregnancy duration in weeks

Ensure you can access a personal computer or a printer to save your receipt in a safe space. If you have any questions, please call

  • 1 (800) 461-2156 (outside Toronto, but within North America)
  • (416) 325-8305 (in Toronto or outside North America)

or fax (416) 325-3408.

Newborn’s health card

  • Ontario residents: You will get a form to sign for your child’s health card during your hospital stay. Once signed, you will receive a temporary paper until you get the actual card by mail. It usually takes a few weeks to arrive.
  • Quebec Residents: Please note that your child is covered up to the age of one via the parents’ health cards.
    • However, we recommend applying as soon as you receive their birth certificate.
    • After receiving their birth certificate, you can obtain your baby’s health card, contact RAMQ at 1 (800) 561-9749 and inform them that your baby was born outside the province. They will send you the necessary RAMQ document by mail. You must complete it and return it with your child’s Ontario birth certificate.

Retraite Québec

As a person who lives in Quebec, you can also receive financial assistance from Retraite Québec. Financial aid is intended for families with dependent children under 18. If your child was born outside Quebec, you must apply for financial assistance, either online at Retraite Quebec—Family Allowance (gouv.qc.ca) or by phone at 1 (800) 667-9625 and let them know that your baby was born in Ontario. Therefore, you must complete and order the birth registration when you return home.

Please consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:

            • Heavy vaginal bleeding (one pad fully soaked per hour for more than two hours)
            • Pain, redness, warmth, swelling (perineum, cesarean wound, breasts or lower limbs)
            • Purulent discharge from the perineum or cesarean section wound
            • Fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or more
            • Bleeding from the cesarean section wound
            • Persistent Baby blues, anxiety and difficulty coping with daily life and care of the baby
            • Emotional instability, insomnia, suicidal thoughts or fear of harming the baby
            • Severe headaches
            • Upper abdominal pain
            • Sudden vision change

General resources for after birth

Feeding your baby

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first six months. We know that some parents choose to give commercial formula from the start for many reasons (resources for commercial formulas feeding are available below.) At HGH, it is your personal decision, and no judgement will be passed upon your choice. If you wish to breastfeed, here are a few things we suggest you do as soon as your baby is born:

  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Make sure the baby latches on well
  • Be alert to the baby’s signs of hunger
  • Learn to express colostrum and breast milk by hand
  • Breastfeed as often and for as long as your baby wants

Here are some relevant resources to help you learn more about breastfeeding:

Province specifics resources
Ontario residents Quebec residents

Commercial Formulas

Some families consider using infant formula, either exclusively or as a complement. This decision may be made for medical or personal reasons. Either way, our nurses can teach you how to prepare, feed and transport infant formula. For more information on commercial formulas, visit the following Best Start resources by Health Nexus:

Feeling unsure and wanting all the information? You can also read Feeding Your Child (PDF) from Tiny Tot to Toddler. They’re explaining everything from breastfeeding, bottle feeding, water and solids.

Newborn examinations

  • The Ontario Newborn Screening Program can screen for at least 29 diseases. This screening is mandatory; the sample will be taken from the baby’s heel. Newborn Screening Ontario (PDF)
  • An Infant Hearing screening for your baby will be offered in the community clinic following discharge (Ontario only). You will fill out a referral form while in hospital, and the program will contact you. For community services in Ottawa and Prescott-Russell, visit Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre or call (613) 688-3979 ext. 3453.
  • A routine blood test is done on all newborns before discharge to determine their bilirubin levels. The doctor may order another blood test after discharge, especially for babies at risk for jaundice.

Safe Sleep

As new parents, you must create a safe sleeping environment for your baby by following the Canadian guidelines for cribs and bassinets. We also recommend that you share a smoke-free room with your newborn baby for the first six months. The safest way to think about creating a baby’s sleeping space is to consider the ABCs—putting your baby Alone, on its Back, in an approved Crib or Cradle. Resources for safe sleep:

 

Please consult a healthcare professional if your newborn presents any of the symptoms below:

  • Auxiliary fever of 37.5 °C / 99.5 °F or more
  • Rectal temperature of 38 °C /100.4 °F or more
  • Insufficient urine output according to the baby’s age
  • Dark, strong-smelling urine
  • Weak muscle tone
  • Lack of appetite
  • Redness, swelling, discharge or foul-smelling umbilical cord
  • Involuntary rhythmic movements of the body, arms or legs
  • Irritability, high-pitched cries
  • Drowsiness
  • Difficulty waking up
  • Hard, dry stools
  • Blood in stools
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid or difficult breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Yellowing of the skin

Newborn Jaundice

Jaundice is common and is a normal part of your baby’s adjustment to life after birth. Your baby will be screened after 24 hours
of life with a heel prick blood test.

What if jaundice?

  • After babies are born, some cells in the blood break down and produce a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin can cause babies’
    skin and whites of their eyes to look yellow.
  • It can cause baby to be extra sleepy and not feed well.
  • Jaundice often happens 2 to 3 days after the baby is born, and slowly goes away over the next few weeks.
  • Most babies will not require treatment and jaundice will go away on its own.

If you think your newborn baby is developing jaundice, please consult the PCMCH pamphlet and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. If you are unable to reach your health care provider, take your baby to the hospital.

Resources

YouTube series on newborn care produced by Ottawa Public Health:

 Your baby’s crying?

Parents know that their baby cries sometimes. A baby’s inconsolable cries can be very worrying and frustrating for sleep-deprived parents. To help you better understand and cope with your baby’s crying, here’s an educational sheet (PDF) written by CHEO professionals.

Drop-in for Parents – Watch Me Grow (Ontario Only)

  • Connect with other parents of children under six in a welcoming environment. Discuss various topics, including breastfeeding, child safety, and development.
  • Please visit the Watch Me Grow Drop-in page on the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) website for hours and locations.

Circumcision

Circumcision is not offered at the Hawkesbury General Hospital. To obtain these services, here are the closest clinics you can contact:

Please note that costs associated with this procedure are not covered by OHIP.

Our community partners, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit or the CLSC, offer programs designed to help families make healthy choices. The Health Unit offers the program Healthy Babies, Healthy Children . CLSC follow up with phone calls and visits within a few days after giving birth.

These partners will provide you with a variety of programmes specially designed to help families grow up healthy.

You will need to make an appointment with your family doctor for post-partum follow-up one (1) to two (2) weeks after your delivery (depending on your delivery physician’s instructions).

If you have any questions and/or concerns within two (2) weeks of the birth of your baby, please do not hesitate to contact us at (613) 632-1111 ext. 52001 or visit your nearest hospital.

Obsterical departement

HGH — Main Campus (Block D2)

1111 Ghislain Street, Hawkesbury, ON  K6A 3G5

613-632-1111, extension 52001

Obstetrics Clinic for appointments

HGH — Main Campus (Block D2)

1111 Ghislain Street, Hawkesbury, ON  K6A 3G5

613-632-1111, extension 52003

Referring a patient to HGH Family Birthing Centre

  • Please send a referral letter, including the patient’s current pregnancy medical history and all lab, ultrasound and IPS results.
  • Fax the letter and reports to 613-636-6231.

Family Birthing Centre team of physicians

 

The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) provides more than 40 specialized medical clinics for residents of Prescott-Russell and surrounding region. For a list of clinics, departments and services, visit Refer a patient.