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 Public Health Resources for Families from Healthy Parenting Winnipeg
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Antepartum Hospital Stays
On occasion birthing people may require some time in hospital before giving birth. Some reasons for this include premature labour, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure or high blood sugar. 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 learn about the reason for being in hospital will be provided through discussions with members of the health care team or reading material. 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.
Antenatal Home Care Program
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Fetal Assessment Unit
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.
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RH Factor
For information related to Rh Factor and Pregnancy, please go to this website: Information for Recipients of Rh Immune Globulin. Visit the Canadian Blood Services website for further information.
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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 patients.
For further information on influenza, see the following website: Seasonal Flu | Health | Province of Manitoba
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Midwifery Services
Midwives are skilled healthcare professionals who offer comprehensive care and assistance throughout the stages of pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the initial six weeks after the baby’s birth. The midwifery approach underscores the concept of pregnancy as a healthful state and birth as a significant life experience.
In Manitoba, midwives attend births at St. Boniface Hospital as well as in out of hospital settings (home and birth centre) and other hospitals across the province. Midwives work with other health professionals and consult with specialists as needed. To help you decide if you would like a midwife here are some websites with more information:
Midwifery Home Page: Midwifery | Women’s Health Clinic
Midwifery Care: Midwifery Care | Women’s Health Clinic
Find a Midwife: Find a Midwife | Women’s Health Clinic
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Doulas
A doula is trained to provide support in all stages of pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum. They provide physical assistance, emotional support, educational information and care as needed. Doula services are provided by private companies and patients may acquire one if desired.
We welcome doulas to our birthing units.
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When Labour May Be Induced
Sometimes it may be necessary to have your labour started before your body goes into labour on its own. 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™
- Childbirth and You: Your Options for Managing the Pain of Labour
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Planned Cesarean Birth
Some patients 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.
Common questions asked by patients about their planned cesarean birth:
If I go into labour sooner than my surgery date does that mean I will have a vaginal birth?
If you think you are in labour or your water breaks before your surgery date, come to the Obstetrical Triage Unit on the third floor. Your surgery will be arranged sooner if needed.
What is the difference between a spinal and epidural?
Spinals are for surgery and epidurals are usually for when you are in labour. Please discuss this with your healthcare provider. To read more about spinals and epidurals, please see Childbirth and You.
Can I take my regular meds like levothyroxine or labetalol before my surgery?
If you are on medication and instructed to take it on the day of your surgery, you may take your medication with a sip of water only.
Can I have more than one person with me in the operating room?
If you have a spinal anesthetic for your surgery, you are allowed one support person in the operating room. If you have a general anesthetic and will be asleep during surgery, your support person will be asked to wait in our waiting area.
Will the doctor remove the old incision (scar) and make a new one?
Yes, the doctor will usually remove your old “scar” and you will have a new incision scar.
Will I get a private room after my surgery?
There are 18 private rooms and 9 semi-private rooms in the Postnatal Unit; if you’ve requested a private room and it is available, you will be transferred to one after surgery. Please review your health coverage to see what type of room accommodations are available with your plan.
Can my partner or support person stay overnight?
Yes, one partner or support person is encouraged to stay with you as much as possible with an expectation they will help care for you and your new baby.
What will I get for pain control?
Most likely you will have a “spinal” for your surgery; read any information given to you by your healthcare provider in addition to this presentation. It explains what a spinal means. After your surgery you will be given pain medication on a regular basis for 48 hours. If this is not working tell your nurse and they will get you something else for pain. If for some reason the nurse has not assessed you for pain, please tell them you have pain and want something for it. All the drugs we use are safe for breast/chestfeeding persons.
Will my baby be in the same room as me after surgery?
The St. Boniface Hospital Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology Program follows the principles of family-centered care. This means you and your baby will be together 24 hours per day unless for some reason you are not able to care for your baby (e.g., your baby is sick or needs to be watched closely). You will get to know your baby better so that you are ready to care for them at home.
When can I ask for a lactation support nurse? How many do you have on staff?
There are 3 lactation support nurses on the postnatal units. The nurse looking after you will help you make a decision as to whether or not you need to see the lactation support nurse.
Why can’t my younger (< 14 years old) niece and nephew visit me?
Because children are more likely to be exposed to “germs” either at school or day care, we like to decrease the chance of you and your new baby being exposed to these germs while in hospital.
Can I use my cell phone and laptop while in hospital?
Yes!
How long will I stay in hospital?
People typically stay a minimum of 30 hours following their surgery. Sometimes your stay may be extended if either you or your baby is not ready to go home.
How soon after my surgery can I drive a vehicle?
Avoid driving until you feel comfortable behind the wheel of a vehicle; this will vary for everyone but it usually takes about two weeks.
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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. Visit their website for more information: Child and Youth Programs | Province of Manitoba . 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.
Families First offer home visiting supports to families with children, from pregnancy to school entry. There is no cost.
Patient Information