Antenatal Clinic
The Antenatal clinic provides outpatient assessment and education for expectant mothers before delivery.
Appointments and hours are arranged by your Obstetrician's office.
Location, Parking, Entrance & Registration:
Stratford General Hospital: Maternal Child Unit, East Building, Second Floor
Patients should enter through the Main Entrance.
- Parking is available in Lot A off Cambria St. or Lot E off of West Gore St.
- COVID-19 self-screening is in effect.
Contact Information: 519-272-8210 ext. 2968 or Toll-Free 1-888-275-1102 ext. 2968
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the best food for newborn babies.
The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend:
- breast milk only for feeding your baby from birth to 6 months
- continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or more after introducing solid foods
Breastfeeding moms may call the Maternal Child Unit at any time to receive support from our nursing staff.
Breastfeeding Clinic
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
We will make every effort to have a lactation consultant available.
Please call the Maternal Child Unit to book an appointment.
One support person may accompany you.
Maternal Child Unit Contact Information: 519-272-8232 or Toll-Free 1-888-275-1102 ext. 8232.
Breastfeeding Information and Supports
Maternity
The team in Maternity assists in the delivery of over 1,200 births
each year while our Special Care Nursery cares for fragile infants that
require additional support.
The Maternity Unit features:
- 7 Labour & Delivery Rooms
- 6 Post-Partum Beds
- 3 Triage Beds
- Quiet Room & Waiting Room for the comfort, privacy and inclusion of family members
- First of its kind in Canada Wavecare Sensory Delivery Room (first come, first serve basis)
- Whirlpool tubs
- 24/7 anaesthesiology coverage
- Two support persons allowed
Location: Stratford General Hospital: East Building, Level 2
Contact Information:
519-272-8232 or Toll-Free 1-888-275-1102 ext. 8232
Audra Boersen, Manager Maternal Child
Tel: 519-272-8210 ext. 2272 | Email: audra.boersen@hpha.ca
Pediatrics
A unit for children with illnesses such as pneumonia, seizures, and
dehydration. Short stay beds are provided for children after surgery.
We understand that having your baby or child in hospital can be a
stressful time for you and your family members. Our staff will provide
you with important information on how to best manage your child's stay.
Please note: For safety reasons, there will be no balloons of any type permitted on the Pediatric Unit.
Location: Stratford General Hospital: East Building, Level 2.
Contact Information:
519-272-8232 or Toll-Free 1-888-275-1102 ext. 8232
Audra Boersen, Manager Maternal Child
Tel: 519-272-8210 ext. 2272 | Email: audra.boersen@hpha.ca
Information about the COVID-19 Vaccination for Kids
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years the following sources of information are available from the Canadian Pediatric Society:
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Resources
To find information about suggested groups, forums and
resources please
visit the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network page
by clicking here.
Resources and Services offered at HPHA to support bereaved parents and families
Books - A children's book explaining death so siblings can understand at
their level. Generously funded by The Stratford General Hospital
Foundation.
Angel Gowns - Volunteers make infant sized gowns for still birth infants from used wedding gowns.
Footprints - Parents have the option to have their infant's feet foot printed with colourful paint in the shape of a butterfly.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - A free volunteer based photography
service. Photographs are touched up if necessary and mailed to the
parents.
Resource books and pamphlets - The Pregnancy And Infant Loss (PAIL)
Network (Sunnybrook Hospital) provides multiple resources for grieving
parents to connect them with follow up and help post discharge. You can
visit their website to learn more.
Social work follow-up and referrals - Offered to all patients experiencing a loss.
Sweater sets/Blankets - Volunteers provide knitted or crocheted
sweaters/hats/booties and blankets for the infants. All different sizes
to accommodate infants at different sizes of development.
Weighted Teddy Bears - Parents have the option to take a teddy home
weighted to their infant's weight. Generously funded by The Stratford
General Hospital Foundation.
Please note that the resources presented does not replace medical
advice. If you have medically related questions surrounding your loss
or any feelings you may be experiencing, visit a health care provider or
make an appointment with your family doctor if you have one. He/she
can help answer any questions you may have regarding your physical or
mental health.
Special Care Nursery
Babies are admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN) because they
need specialized medical and nursing care. Our SCN is a Level II, which
means that we can provide specialized care for sick infants, but do not
have the ability to provide all the care of a Level III Nursery.
Our first priority is the care and health of your family. We want to
work with you to meet your baby’s needs and make sure your baby’s stay
is as positive as possible. Please ask questions or discuss concerns
with your baby’s nurse or doctor. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the
Maternal Child staff are always available to support you and your
family. You may also speak with other resources available to help you
including our Social Worker, Public Health Nurse, your midwife or your
spiritual advisor.
Location: Stratford General Hospital: East Building, Level 2.
Contact Information:
519-272-8210 ext. 2490 or Toll-Free 1-888-275-1102 ext. 2490
Audra Boersen, Manager Maternal Child
Tel: 519-272-8210 ext. 2272 | Email: audra.boersen@hpha.ca
Urgent Care - Child & Youth
Access urgent care without leaving home. Online urgent care is available for residents of Southwestern Ontario -including Huron & Perth!
Appointment costs are fully covered with an Ontario health card.
Whenever possible your family doctor is your first point of access for care. A virtual urgent care appointment may be right for you if you or a loved one have a medical issue that is NOT life threatening, but requires urgent medical attention.
If you are in severe distress, call 911 and do not drive yourself to the hospital. If you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms worsen while you’re waiting for a virtual appointment, visit your nearest emergency department.
Parents in need of urgent care for a child/youth
Connect with a children’s emergency department doctor through secure video chat by calling the toll-free number during clinic hours or requesting a virtual appointment during off hours. Virtual children’s urgent care service is available for parents/families with a child with an urgent medical issue that’s NOT life threatening. Same-day appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. All appointment costs are covered with an Ontario health card.
Visit UrgentCareOntario.ca for more information and/or to book an appointment.
This service is a partnership of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Children's Hospital at LHSC and Hamilton Health Sciences.