Once you are fully dilated you are ready to begin the 'active' phase of your labour. We understand your family will play an important role in this process and we encourage you to have your support person or partner with you throughout your labour and delivery.
We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids during your labour. If you feel comfortable doing so, you may also get up and walk around. A dedicated nurse will be assigned to you during active labour and they will provide support by coaching you through pushing and monitoring your vital signs, contractions, dilatation, and your baby's heart rate. The nurse will keep your pregnancy care provider informed at all times. When it is time to deliver, a doctor or midwife will be present.
Photos and Videos
We understand that this is an exciting time that you may want to look back on for years to come. Any family member, friend, or hired professional who you want to take photos or videos during your delivery must declare that they are doing so and obtain verbal consent from everyone in the room, including health care providers. There may be times when photographers are asked to stop taking pictures and videos, such as in the unlikely event of an emergency.
If you are undergoing a cesarean section delivery, please remember that only one support person is allowed in the operating room at a time. If you want your partner present during your C-section, a photographer will not be allowed to enter due to limited space in the operating room, however, your support person is usually able to take some photos.
After delivery
After delivery you and your baby will be assessed by your care team. Once your delivery is complete, our care team will support you in providing skin-to-skin contact with your newborn early and often. This helps calm your baby and makes them feel safe and can build the bond between you and your new child.
We will continue to monitor and assess you and your baby, and once you both are stable and comfortable you will be moved to a room in our postpartum unit. If you are under the care of a midwife, you may be sent home if desired or moved to the postpartum unit once you are stable.
Umbilical cord
At KGH we have a policy in place to promote delayed cord clamping in all deliveries. Delayed cord clamping is a process in which the umbilical cord left intact (not clamped or cut) for one minute following birth. There are a number of benefits of delayed cord clamping for the baby including increased red blood cells, stem cells and immune cells.
As every delivery is different, it is also important to know that the need for neonatal resuscitation is assessed before deciding if delayed cord clamping is appropriate. If your support person or partner would like to cut the umbilical cord, this can be done after the delayed cord clamping is complete. (
Your placenta
We will dispose of the placenta safely. If you do not want us to dispose of it, or if you have any special traditional or cultural needs in regards to the placenta, please let your care team know.
Newborn medications
We give Erythromycin eye ointment and Vitamin K to every newborn after birth. Please speak with your primary caregiver about these medications if you have questions.
Security for your baby
After your delivery a special bracelet will be provided to you, your partner and your baby with a number that is individual to you. This is a security feature that distinguishes your baby from others in the hospital.
Most nursing care for your baby is performed in your postpartum room, right at your bedside. If anyone asks to take your baby from your room always ensure that person is wearing a KHSC identification badge with their picture. Everyone who works, learns or volunteers at KHSC is required to wear their name badge at all times. You and your partner are encouraged to stay with your baby at all times and to participate in any procedure.
