Maternal Newborn Program

 

Two nurses in front of newborn weigh station

 Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) offers level one – low-risk obstetrical and neonatal care to meet the needs of our communities. We have two male obstetricians/gynaecologists - Dr. Ogah & Dr. Yekinni- and a strong collaboration with the midwives of Windsor-Essex County.  The team at ESHC is ready to make this new chapter of life memorable for you and your family. 


Level One – Low-Risk Obstetrical and Neonatal Care


ESHC Maternal Newborn team cares for low-risk pregnancies that are 37 weeks and beyond.

The following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
  • Obstetrical Triage
  • Spontaneous labour support management
  • Planned and emergency Caesarean sections
  • Inductions of labour with birthing support
  • Trials of labour after caesarian sections, granted, you have already had a successful vaginal delivery.
  • Translational services
  • Family-centred birthing rooms

Most scheduled procedures are accomplished during regular business hours; however, an on-call team is readily available to respond to emergencies. In the event that a mother or baby requires a higher level of care, a transport team from Windsor Regional Hospital or London Health Science will respond. We make every effort to keep mothers and newborns together in an event of a transfer.

Our Model of Care


Our primary focus at ESHC is to provide the best family-centred maternity and newborn care possible. Maternal newborn care is complex, multidimensional, dynamic process of providing safe, skilled and individualized care. The team at ESHC responds to the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the woman and her family. Our care recognizes the significance of family support, participation and choice of all involved, and we strive to maintain such care. The care of the mother/baby couplet is provided by the primary Obstetrical Nurse who, in collaboration with the patient, family and other members of the health care team, organizes a care plan suited to the family's ever-changing needs.

Single Room Maternity Care


ESHC provides a ‘Single Room Maternity Care Model,’ which means that you will be in a private room where you will labour, give birth and recover in the same room with your baby at all times. This care allows parents ample time during their stay to care for their newborn with the support of experienced nurses and resources. Since all of our rooms here at ESHC are private, we encourage visitation of family based on the mother’s preference. Our unit also has controlled access to provide additional infant security.

Pain Management Options Offered at ESHC


There are several possibilities available to manage any discomfort you may have during labour, delivery and postpartum, including:
  • 24-hour epidural availability
  • Narcotics, given intramuscularly or intravenously
  • Entonox gas, while you breathe during labour
  • Use of birthing balls, bars, rockers, and ambulation during labour
  • Shower
  • Massage

Choosing Maternal-Newborn Services at ESHC

There are many reasons why you should choose ESHC for your birthing experience. We are affiliated with the Perinatal Outreach Program at the London Health Sciences Center (LHSC). This program keeps us up to date with the quality of care standards for mothers and babies. We are an active member of the Maternal Newborn Child Youth Network (MNCYN) of Ontario, which serves as a clinical resource and communication tool for healthcare providers involved in delivering maternal and child care throughout the province. ESHC is fully accredited by the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation, meaning that we have achieved a high level of acceptable standards of care. We often hear that at ESHC, we provide “Compassionate Care – Close to Home,” which is convenient and family-centred.

 

Extensively Trained and Certified Maternal-Newborn Nursing Team

Our nurses are all certified in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) and have advanced training in fetal health monitoring, breastfeeding support, Acute Care of the At-Risk Newborn (ACORN) training, and the ability to handle all obstetrical emergencies. You will have a fully trained obstetrical nurse with you during labour who will support your birthing plan and anticipate your needs.

Additionally, public health nurses from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) see all of our patients before discharge and help support your transition home through the Healthy Baby Healthy Child Program. If needed, they will even make a home visit. The staff from both the WECHU and ESHC are highly trained in breastfeeding support and will work with you, as well as connect you with community resources. ESHC also offers Certified Indigenous Lactation Counselling.

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to provide high-quality care based on best practice guidelines. We have Obstetrical and Gynaecological Physicians available 24/7 for your prenatal care needs, along with midwives, allowing you to choose the type of care you would like to receive based on your preferences.