Tips for a
Smooth
Labour &
Delivery
Submitted by the Maternity
Team at King Edward VII
Memorial Hospital
Preparing to have a baby is an important and exciting time for a family. The maternity
team at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) has these suggestions for making
your labour and delivery experience safe, comfortable and positive.
Make your admission to the hospital
smooth, simple and easy
After your first visit to a healthcare provider
for prenatal care, your physician will notify
the maternity ward that you are expecting.
A letter will then be sent from the hospital
to your doctor for you to collect at your next
appointment.
“We want pregnant women to know that
as soon as they receive this letter, they
should contact the hospitals Admission
Department,” advises Christine Virgil,
Clinical Director of Maternal/Child Services
at KEMH. “The hospital needs to have a
record of every pregnant woman’s due
date, along with her personal contact
information, previous medical history, the
name of her physician and the details of
her insurance. The last thing a woman
wants when she goes into labour is to be
worried about whether the maternity team
know which doctor to call or what medical
challenges she may be facing.”
Pregnant women are urged to contact
the Admissions Department early in their
pregnancy so the hospital can admit them
quickly and efficiently when they do go
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into labour. Some women think they can
wait until they are in the late stages of
pregnancy but doing this as soon as you
receive the letter will avoid problems if you
should need to be admitted earlier than
your due date. Contact the Admissions
Office at 239-1446.
Learn about labour and delivery at
prenatal birthing classes
“Taking birthing classes is an excellent
way to prepare for labour and delivery and
learn what to expect during childbirth,”
says Janet Wheelan, Clinical Manager for
Maternity and Special Care Baby Unit.
The maternity ward at the hospital offers
classes, open to expectant mothers
and fathers, designed and taught by
the same midwives who will be with you
when you give birth. Class discussions
include body changes, breastfeeding,
relaxation techniques and the process
of childbirth. Most importantly, prenatal
classes contribute to a more positive birth
experience.
Classes are offered at the hospital on
Tuesday evenings over a four-week period.
To register, call Francine Burrows at 239-1682
or email [email protected].
Light refreshments are served at the classes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
The maternity team at the hospital is available
around the clock to answer your questions
about pregnancy, labour, delivery, baby care
and breastfeeding.
“Our nurses are happy to address your
concerns and provide the information you
need to feel safe and comfortable during
your pregnancy or to feel more confident
and assured as a new mother,” adds Ms.
Wheelan. “No questions are too foolish to
ask and women don’t need to wait until
business hours if they have concerns and
need answers. We are always here to
help and support women throughout their
pregnancy, after they deliver and during
the early weeks of new parenthood.”
Call 239-1325 if you need assistance,
guidance, advice or reassurance.