Welcome to Our Family Birthing
Centre

The Family Birthing Centre at York Central Hospital delivers something that every parent wants – the environment and expertise that offers a special welcome to the newest member of their family.

Opened in April 2007, the state-of-the art centre offers a family-friendly setting with home-like décor and modern facilities to accommodate the growing number of babies born at York Central Hospital.

Here’s what to expect when you’re expecting:

Optimum Childbirth Experience

The services, advice, encouragement and education offered by our team – from testing right through to preparing for the return home – ensure your comfort and optimum health. Our goal is to make your childbirth experience as memorable and as safe as possible, before
during and after the birth of your baby.

Postpartum Care

Our multidisciplinary team of caregivers will be there to support mom and baby immediately after the birth until it’s time to go home. They make sure that mom and baby are in the best possible physical and emotional health and that all questions and concerns are answered before they are discharged. Exams are done with mom and baby beside each other. Mothers are informed of what to expect in the following weeks after birth. They are taught how to feed their baby, the benefits of breast feeding and proper hygiene, and how to monitor the baby’s health. Some mothers and babies will be ready to go home as quickly as four hours after birth. The Family Birthing Centre encourages family involvement in the baby’s care.

A Supportive Team

Our obstetricians, labour and delivery nurses and other healthcare professionals form an experienced and supportive birthing team. We provide the latest in care techniques, combined with a tradition of providing family-focused care.

New moms often comment on the warmth and skill of our healthcare professionals. The current facilities ensure that staff can respond even better than ever to the diverse needs of mothers and families.

Triage Area and Fetal Assessment Room

Upon your arrival, hospital staff will make a quick and accurate diagnosis of the health and well-being of both the mother and baby. This area features the specialized diagnostic and monitoring equipment that allow us to do just that, including an ultrasound machine and fetal monitor units.

After this assessment, and based on the condition of the mother and baby, you and the Family Birthing Centre Team develop a plan of care.

Birthing Suites

The centre includes eight suites, each featuring tasteful décor, soft lighting, and private ensuite bathrooms. There is ample space for fathers and other family members, so that they can share in the birth experience. The suites were designed to provide a more home-like setting. This allows mothers to go through labour, give birth, and recuperate in the most relaxing atmosphere possible.

Operating Suites

For many reasons, babies are sometimes delivered by a caesarean section (c-section). In some cases, this is planned in advance due to an existing medical condition, or a previous birth by c-section. Other times, a c-section is performed because of multiple births, concern about the health of the baby or mother, or other unexpected complications.

The Family Birthing Centre has two operating suites that are designated specifically for these situations.

With anaesthesia, women are able to remain comfortable during the procedure. Although recovery and the hospital stay takes a little longer for women undergoing a c-section, most are up and out of bed within 24 hours.

Neonatal Resuscitation Room

Some babies require extra help as soon as they’re born. The Neonatal Resuscitation Room is outfitted with technologically advanced equipment to support premature babies or babies requiring intensive neonatal support. Our dedicated team of professionals include pediatricians who are at the top of their field when it comes to caring for babies who need specialized expertise.

About the Woman and Child Program

The Family Birthing Centre is part of the Woman and Child Program at York Central Hospital. The program offers expert and compassionate care for mothers and their babies before, during and immediately after giving birth.

Other program areas include a Genetics Clinic, Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Screening, an Inpatient Breastfeeding Clinic, Maternal Fetal Medicine Service, Pre and Postnatal Education, and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

With all of these services under one roof, the Woman and Child Program offers convenience and superior continuity of care. For more information on other services within the Woman and Child Program, please call (905) 883-1212, ext. 7568.

Guide to York Central Hospital

How to Find Us
The Family Birthing Centre is located on the
fifth floor of the Langstaff Building, South