Visiting Hours
DURING LABOUR AND BIRTH
During labour, support for the mother—be it from her partner, from a family member or from a significant other—has a hugely positive effect on the birth. That’s why we encourage the partner or another key person in the mother’s life to stay by her side throughout labour and birth. Two other support persons are also allowed the whole time, as long as the mother‘s condition and the clinical circumstances make that possible.
AFTER THE BIRTH (POSTNATAL PERIOD)
Only one person (that is, the father or a significant other) can stay around the clock with the mother and baby, including sleeping at the hospital. Each room has a sofa bed, and we ask the support person to bring a sleeping bag and pillow for the night.
General visiting hours at the Family Birthing Centre are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with three persons allowed at a time, including the partner (or significant other).
As for the newborn’s grandparents and siblings, they can visit any time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., provided they are not ill and haven’t been exposed to a contagious disease (chicken pox, measles, etc.). In addition, the children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and must not be left alone with the mother.
Given the mother and baby’s very short stay at the hospital, our policy on visits focuses on the family’s well-being. For both mothers and newborns, the postnatal period is very important, because it allows for social, emotional and physical adjustments. The new mother also needs to rest, but she does so according to her baby’s own and often unpredictable schedule. As a result, care for the mother and baby and their need for both quiet time and breastfeeding support remain our top priority during visiting hours.
VISITING THE NEONATAL UNIT (NURSERY)
Only two people at a time can visit the nursery; one of them has to be wearing the newborn’s identification bracelet (the mother, the father or the significant other). The newborn’s grandparents and siblings can also visit the nursery under the conditions described above.
Finally, keep in mind that we might have to limit visits now and then, based on the professional opinion of our health care team.