When babies experience difficulty after birth or if they need to grow and gain weight prior to going home, they are admitted to the Special Care Nursery. We offer a family centered unit that believes in open, honest communication. We encourage you to ask questions and to participate in your baby’s care. We pride ourselves in including parents as much as possible with the care of the baby.

When babies are first admitted to the Special Care Nursery, they are usually placed on open beds with overhead warmers, which help them maintain their body temperature.

If the baby needs help to breathe, this kind of bed allows the nursery staff to easily provide necessary care. Once the baby needs less assistance he or she may be placed in an isolette (incubator).

When the baby is able to maintain a stable, normal body temperature he/she can then be moved into a cot.

At this time babies may be more easily held and fed. We will work on a feeding plan with you as soon as possible in order to meet your goals for discharge.

In general, babies that have required care in the Special Care Nursery are ready to go home when they:

• are at least 35 weeks corrected age

• have not required oxygen for at least 24 hours

• are gaining weight independently

There may be a time when your baby requires more intensive care and could be transferred to another hospital. The doctors and nurses will prepare your baby and any necessary equipment to make the trip. All members of the health care team are specially trained and will provide your baby with the best possible care.

How to locate us

Main floor in the Childbirth and Children's Centre

Contact us

905.472.7013

More information

If you have been discharged and your baby is in the Special Care Nursery, a sleep room is available for a nominal charge. Please note, this room is set up to accommodate two moms only. Speak to your nurse about availability and bookings.

Hollister breast pumps and supplies are available for rent. Your nurse can provide you with more information.