The trend toward shorter lengths of stay has brought about changes in postpartum care over the past decade.  Much of the support and education for ongoing baby care is now brought to the family in the community through home visits, telephone help lines and community programs.

In the day immediately following birth, nursing staff use every opportunity to provide educational assistance to new mothers, says Gail Cameron, Patient Care Manager in Postpartum at the Grey Nuns.  Babies stay in the room with their mothers.  Rooming in provides a supportive environment for mothers to learn the essentials of newborn care – including nutrition, safety, the baby’s behaviours and cues, and comforting techniques.  Physical assessment of the newborn in the room also provides an opportunity to gather and share information with parents and families.

For Jennifer Hotchkiss the first moments of bonding with her son were magical.  “It was the middle of the night and I was wide awake.  The baby wasn’t fussing but he was very alert,” she recalls.  “I remember sitting with him on the bed, and he was staring at me like he was saying, “Oh, you’re my mom.”  I will never forget that.”

With the support of corporate donations, both the Misericordia and the Grey Nuns also offer the option of a private, hotel-like setting.  Families can pay a nominal fee to stay in a theme room if one is available.  Featuring a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable decore, these rooms promote family-centered care by allowing fathers to stay with their new infant.

For Gail and for many new moms, a significant aspect of giving babies the best start is breastfeeding.  The Grey Nuns has worked to ensure all mothers are aware of the benefits of mother’s milk and have the opportunity to provide this optimum source of nutrition to their newborns.