Obstetrical Unit
Admission
Please call the Obstetrics Unit at 613-256-2500 extension 2233 before you come to the Hospital. Please enter at the Emergency Entrance and register at the Reception Desk. All entrances to the Hospital are locked during night-time hours. During these hours, please ring the buzzer at the Emergency Entrance. To minimize risk to patients and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic Obstetrics patients may bring two support people for the delivery and one support person can stay after delivery. Registered Doula permitted in addition to support person.
Please have the following information available:
What to Expect During your Stay
On the Obstetrics Unit, an initial assessment will be done when you arrive. It may include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, urine test, monitoring of the fetal heart rate and potentially a vaginal examination. Your care provider will then be notified regarding your progress.
If you are not in active labour, your doctor may advise you to return home until labour begins. If you are in active labour, you will stay on the Obstetrics Unit until your baby is born. You will be moved into one of our postpartum rooms following the delivery.
We encourage your partner to remain with you for the birth however, to minimize risk to patients and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Obstetrics patients may only bring one support person when they come to the Hospital. That person will be the only visitor allowed for the duration of the patient’s stay in the Hospital (i.e. before and after the baby’s birth). We will support and assist both of you during the birthing process. Your progress will be monitored carefully throughout your labour.
Our team is here to ensure a safe delivery for you and your baby.
What to bring with you
To help you prepare for your stay, here is a list of some of the more common things you can bring with you to help make you stay more comfortable.
Things you might need during labour:
- Slippers/socks, and other comfortable clothing
- Toiletries: lip balm, tissues, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
- Back rub lotion; back massager
- Hot/cold pack
- Stress ball
- Reusable water bottle
- Earphones and handheld music player, personal electronics (iPad, Tablet, etc.)
- Pen and paper
- Camera/camcorder/phone charger
- Snacks
Things your partner or support person will need:
- Comfortable clothing
- Snacks
- Pillow and sleeping bag if staying overnight
- Toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste
Things you will need after the baby is born:
- Nipple ointment
- Personal hygiene products (super/absorbency) 2 dozen/disposable briefs
- Housecoat/slippers, 2 nightgowns or pajamas / XL underwear
- Nursing bra
- Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.
- Watch
- Clothing to wear home (loose & comfortable)
- Camera/camcorder/phone charger
Things you will need for baby:
- Newborn diapers (2 dozen)
- Baby wipes
- Sleepers
- Undershirt or onesies, sweater and hat
- Blankets
- Socks or booties
- CSA approved Infant car seat with instructions (will need this to bring baby home)
- Pen to fill out forms
Safety and Security for Newborns
When a baby is born at Almonte General Hospital, mother and newborn each receive a hospital bracelet with matching identification numbers unique to them. This allows healthcare providers to properly identify mom and baby.
Almonte General Hospital has an additional level of security with the Hugs® Infant Security System. This system provides comprehensive protection to newborns by adding a tamper-proof bracelet to the newborn’s ankle. If a baby is moved to an unauthorized zone, an alarm sounds and the system activates all exit doors in the unit to a lock down, keeping newborns safe and secure on the obstetrical unit. The tag is removed when mom and baby are discharged.
Circumcision
Circumcision is a non-therapeutic procedure, which means it is not medically necessary. Parents who decide to circumcise their newborns often do so for religious, social or cultural reasons. The procedure normally takes less than 10 minutes and is performed in the Nursery, usually one to ten days after birth. After reviewing the scientific evidence for and against circumcision, the Canadian Pediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision. Please visit the CPS site for more information.
Circumcision might not be an option if certain blood-clotting disorders are present or if the baby has a malformation of the penis or urinary tract. In addition, it might not be appropriate for premature babies or those who still require medical care in a hospital nursery.
If you are interested in having your baby circumcised, you will need to notify the nurse as soon as possible. Prior to the procedure, the family must pay a fee of $500 at the Registration Desk outside of the Emergency Room. Every effort will be made to schedule this procedure while you are in hospital as long as your baby is healthy, has passed urine and is at least 24 hours old. The physician will assess the infant to make sure that he is a candidate and will explain the procedure and proper care for the infant afterward. Parents will need to sign a consent form with the physician.
If a physician is not available prior to discharge, the nurse will provide you with information on how to book the procedure as an outpatient.
Birth Certificates
The birth of your child must be registered using the Service Ontario website within one month of birth. A fee will apply if you are purchasing a birth certificate. When indicating the Hospital's address please use Mississippi Mills as its location.
You also have the option to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) card for your baby and sign up for Canada Child benefits, and open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).
For more information or to register your baby, please visit Service Ontario.