Pregnancy

Childbirth Preparation Resources

Prenatal classes are not offered at St. Boniface Hospital. However, a variety of childbirth preparation services in Winnipeg are listed in the following resource:

• Community Resources for Families

Please note that effective September 2013, the on-site pre-natal virtual tour held monthly on Thursdays at the Sam Cohen Auditorium in the Research Centre is no longer available. However, the pre-natal vidoes and information are available below.

• Virtual Tour… Having a baby at St. Boniface Hospital
• Prenatal Virtual Tour Presentation
• Childbirth and You: Your Options for Managing the Pain of Labour (Anesthesia presenation)

Antepartum Hospital Stays

On occasion person may require some time in hospital before giving birth. Reasons for this include premature labour, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure or high blood sugars. After admission and assessment in the Obstetrical Triage unit or Labour & Delivery and if stable, you will be moved to the Antepartum unit.

Your health care team and you will develop a plan of care while you are in hospital. Opportunities to learning about the reason for being in hospital will be provided through discussions with members of the health care team, reading material or DVD’s. The staff will do all they can to make your stay safe, comfortable and supportive. If you are a candidate for the Antenatal Home Care Program, your doctor will discuss this with you.

Antepartum Home Care Program
Phone: 204-792-5463

Fetal Assessment Unit

For a variety of reasons some people require additional medical assessments and follow-up during their pregnancies. Your health care provider may refer you to the Fetal Assessment unit for this type of care. The doctors and nurses in this unit have advanced knowledge and special training in obstetrics, genetics, and medical and surgical complications that can occur during pregnancy. Ultrasound is used during this type of assessment and on occasion you may come for more than one visit. Your partner or support person is welcome to attend these visits with you.

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Still nauseated? Get support from the Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy helpline. Call toll-free for information and counselling 1-800-436-8477 or visit their website for guidance.

RH Factor

Visit the Canadian Blood Services website for further information.

Influenza and Pregnancy

An annual flu shot is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their care givers and close contacts. This includes pregnant persons.

For further information on pregnancy and influenza, see the following websites:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Manitoba Health – The Province of Manitoba
• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)

Midwifery Services

Midwives practising in Winnipeg are employed by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and are members of the Department of Family Medicine. All midwives have admitting privileges at St. Boniface Hospital (SBH) and can provide care to you for your birth if this is where you chose to have your baby. Midwives are members of the health care team and work with the nurses and doctors to provide care for you and your baby during your stay at SBH.

• To learn more about midwifery in Winnipeg, visit the Winnipeg Health Region
• To learn more about midwifery in Manitoba, visit the College of Midwifes of Manitoba
• To learn more about midwifery in Canada, visit the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Consortium

Doulas

A doula is an assistant who provides non-medical and non-midwifery support (physical and emotional) in childbirth. Depending on training and experience they may offer prenatal support, childbirth (birth doula) and/or postpartum. A labor doula may attend a home birth or during labor at home and in transport to a hospital or a birth center. A postpartum doula provides home care for the first six weeks (or longer in cases of postpartum depression) including cooking, breast/chestfeeding support, newborn care assistance, errands and light housekeeping (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula).

We welcome doulas to our birthing units.

When Labour May Be Induced

Sometimes it may be necessary to have your labour started before Mother Nature does it. Your health care provider will explain why it is necessary and how it will be done.

Please see the following for further information:

• Induction of Labour
• Going Home After Prostin™

Planned Cesarean Birth

Some people know ahead of time that they will be having their baby by elective surgery or cesarean. The following is some information that will be discussed with you in preparation of your planned cesarean birth.

• Information for Your Planned Cesarean Birth

Common questions asked by people about their planned cesarean birth:

Links to Other Resources

A Healthy Baby Program

Every child should have the best possible start in life.

Healthy Child Manitoba (HCM) is the Government of Manitoba’s long-term, cross-departmental strategy for putting children and families first. With its community partners, the Province of Manitoba has developed a network of supports and strategies for children, youth and families. On their website, you will find more information on the following

• Healthy Baby/Prenatal Benefit Program
• Manitoba’s FASD Strategy
• Triple P
• Manitoba Parent Zone

For more information about Healthy Child Manitoba’s programs and services, you can download Healthy Child Manitoba: Programs and Services.

Families First

Are you expecting a baby? Are you the parent of an infant or a preschool child? Families First may be for you.

• providing information on health, safety and nutrition
• learning through play
• exploring solutions to challenging situations
• providing information about pregnancy
• getting health care for your family
• connecting to community resources
• supporting healthy growth, development and learning
• building strong family relationships
• sharing information about child development

Families First offer home visiting supports to families with children, from pregnancy to school entry. There is no cost.

Families First is delivered across the province by community public health. First a public health nurse will visit with you to talk about your family. Together you will decide what community resources would be best for your family.

Home visiting may be one of the options available to you. A home visitor will meet with you and your family on a regular basis for up to three years. The home visitor will support you in building a strong relationship with your child and family, while sharing information and suggesting activities to help your child grow up healthy and happy.

Baby’s Best Chance – Pregnancy and Parenting

Welcome to the 6th edition of Baby’s Best Chance – Parents’ Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care published by the Government of British Columbia. This resource provides easy to read information, based on best practices and evidence to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Patient Information

• Amniocentesis
• Checking your Baby’s Movements
• Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy
• Warning Signs in Pregnancy that Need Medical Attention