At the Hospital

At WDMH, we are proud to encourage mothers to practice skin-to-skin care (or sometimes called “kangaroo care”) right after birth. Multiple studies in preterm and term babies have shown that it improves overall well-being and promotes healthy mother-infant attachment. Fathers can also provide skin-to-skin care.

Read more about skin-to-skin care.
Watch a video about skin-to-skin care.

Right after birth, if all is well, we will help your baby latch onto your breast. We encourage you to be familiar with the act of breastfeeding before coming to the hospital.

Two hours after birth, you and your newborn will be moved to the Postpartum Unit. Your nurse will support you and your family as you learn to bathe, feed, and care for your newborn. Each assessment and treatment will be explained to you.

We practice “rooming-in”, which means that you and your baby may stay in the same room until you go home. If your baby needs to be taken to another room for an assessment or treatment, we encourage you and/or your partner to accompany your baby.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their baby’s care as soon and as often as possible.

At WDMH, we are proud to have adopted the BFI (baby friendly initiative) strategy. Our nurses are trained support you while you learn how to breastfeed. You have probably heard about the benefits of breastfeeding but also about the difficulties that certain mothers have breastfeeding. We encourage you to review some of these resources to familiarize yourself with breastfeeding before you have your baby.

Read more about breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding Matters (English)
Breastfeeding Matters (French)
My Breastfeeding Guide (English)
My Breastfeeding Guide (French)
Breastfeeding for Parents
Breastfeeding Inc.
Best Start
Ontario Prenatal Education Breastfeeding

Watch a video about breastfeeding:
International Breastfeeding Centre Video
Region of Peel Video
Breastfeeding Inc. Video

Breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenge. We do not want you to feel helpless once you leave the hospital. There are many supports in the community to help you. Learn more about community programs and breastfeeding support.

When you are breastfeeding, speak with your nurse before taking any prescription or non-prescription medication. Learn more about breastfeeding and medication.

The practice of routine circumcisions is not recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society. Learn more about circumcision.

Information about community resources who provide this service can be obtained from our nurses during your hospital stay.

Mothers who have given birth vaginally usually stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Mothers who have given birth by caesarean section usually stay 48 to 72 hours. Mothers, who are under the care of a midwife and have had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, often leave within three to four hours after delivery.

Learn more about room accommodations.

At WDMH, we have open visiting hours. Please remember, however, that rest is an important part of recovering from birth. Consider setting visiting hours of your own and communicating them to your loved ones. Read more about our guidelines for visitors.

The daily parking rate is $5.00. Visitors may access the parking lot for 15 minutes without being charged (for picking up or dropping off patients or delivering items to the hospital). Learn more about parking.

WDMH has a “No Scents Makes Sense” policy for the protection of people with sensitivities or allergies to perfumes or scented products. Please refrain from wearing or bringing any scented products, including flowers such as lilacs, hyacinths, lilies and poinsettias.

Proper hand hygiene plays very important part in stopping the spread of infections. Protect yourself and your newborn by washing your hands and encouraging friends and family to do the same. And don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare providers if they’ve washed their hands!