There are many resources available for you to support you with newborn care. Region of Waterloo Public Health offers supportive information and classes for newborn care (Click here to view resources).
While you are in hospital, GRH nurses and lactation consultants can support you with newborn care and feeding. If you are being cared for by a midwife, your midwife will continue to provide care for you and your baby in the hospital and after you return home, for up to six weeks after baby is born. You will need to find a family doctor to can care for baby after this time.
Your baby needs a health care provider too. Before you deliver your baby, you will want to find a family doctor, nurse practitioner or paediatrician to care for your baby after you are discharged from hospital. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the option that is right for you or try www.cpso.on.ca to find a doctor.
Some family doctors care for baby in hospital and then in the community after you are discharged home. If your doctor does not do hospital newborn care, your baby will be cared for by a “CORE” family doctor. This is a family doctor who works for GRH and provides care for newborns from time of birth until discharge. If your baby needs more specialized care, a family doctor can refer your baby to a paediatrician.
The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommends a health care provider see your baby in 24 to 72 hours of discharge or at any time you feel your baby is unwell.
Bilirubin Clinic
In keeping with the recommendations from the Canadian Paediatric Society, all newborns will have their bilirubin levels checked after birth. To learn more about what this means, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society website.
Once discharged you may be asked to bring your baby to the follow-up clinic for reassessment by a nurse.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Postbirth Clinic
The postbirth clinic is located on the third floor of Grand River Hospital’s (GRH) KW Campus at 835 King Street West in Kitchener. As part of the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program (opens in new window), the postbirth clinic is staffed by Region of Waterloo public health nurses.
Families discharged from GRH may be asked to return to the postbirth clinic for an appointment within 48 to 72 hours for assessment. Support and information is also provided including referral to community programs and services. For more information, you may also call the healthy children information line at Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Some babies require additional hospital care before they can go home. GRH is a Level IIB facility, which means we deliver babies 32 weeks gestation or greater for patients with low to moderate risk pregnancies. We have a fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with specialized pediatrician support.
We provide care for approximately 700 babies a year who need close monitoring. These babies may require brief help to breathe, intravenous therapy for medications, hydration and other procedures; and/or care that requires an intensive care setting. We also work closely with providers of other children’s health programs across Ontario.
Click here to learn more about our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Feeding your baby
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) advise that human milk should be the only food or drink for the first 6 months of life. After the first 6 months, breastfeeding/chestfeeding can continue for up to 2 years or more along with complimentary foods.
If you choose to breastfeed/chestfeed, try often, especially in the first few days after birth – for practice and milk production. Be patient with yourself and your baby. It's common for people to need help breastfeeding/chestfeeding, and your nurse, midwife, or lactation consultants are available to support you.
If you choose not to breastfeed/chestfeed your baby, Grand River Hospital will support your right to make an informed choice that is best for you and your baby.
Click here to watch our class on feeding your baby
Babies exclusively fed breast milk should receive vitamin D supplementation – usually 400 IU (international units) each day starting at birth. Liquid vitamin D for babies can be purchased from any pharmacy. Your pharmacist will answer any questions you may have. Please talk to your healthcare provider (doctor or midwife) before stopping vitamin D supplementation.
Although breast milk is thought to be the best "food” for babies, this may not always be an option. Grand River Hospital respects your right to make an informed choice. Formula may be used exclusively or as a supplement to feed your baby.
If breast milk is not an option for your baby, please use an iron-fortified commercial formula. For the first 6 months after birth, only feed your baby breast milk or commercial baby formula (if human milk is not an option).
There is a lot to learn about buying, preparing, and feeding your baby formula. Your nurse or midwife will help you feed your baby safely. Grand River Hospital will give you ready-to-feed formula and supplies to use while you are in hospital, if necessary.