The family Birthing Centre and Breastfeeding Clinic at Michael Garron Hospital
my experience at the family birthing centre and breastfeeding clinic at michael garron hospital
Choosing where to give birth to your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and medical history. Five years ago, I was searching the Internet trying to decide which hospital to choose for the birth of my second child. Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) has hit and miss reviews, but it also has the most convenience for us. Also, I know that some local moms have been hesitant to give birth at MGH, giving preference to other hospitals in Toronto, but I give MGH a five star review.
About Michael Garron Hospital
Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is a dynamic teaching hospital that serves as a division of the Toronto East Health Network. According to their website, Michael Garron Hospital welcomes the arrival of nearly 3,000 newborns annually. The hospital provides extensive care for all stages of pregnancy, birth and child health. Prenatal care specialists of the hospital (with the affiliation of University of Toronto) include obstetricians, midwives, family doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, certified childbirth educators and lactation consultants.
Prenatal and postnatal care choices
MGH provides three options for prenatal care: by a staff obstetrician, by a family practice obstetrician assessed through community health clinics throughout East York, or by a midwife. The Hospital staff includes 12 obstetricians, each dedicated to delivering evidence-based care to both low-risk patients, and high-risk pregnancies with potential health complications.
In comparison, family physicians and midwives are great options for low-risk pregnancies. Also, midwives can also provide excellent post-natal support, including breast-feeding consults. The Midwives’ Clinic of East York – Don Mills is an excellent local resource through which to engage with the individual members of their specialized team.
My experience at michael Garron Hospital
After an intense research into local OBs, including reading all accessible reviews on local FB groups, I chose Dr. Tara MacLeod. She is MGH staff, and her office is located in the medical building across the street from MGH. I found Dr. MacLeod to be competent, patient, friendly and kind. I know that many parents have said that a visit to their OB lasted never more than five minutes, but Dr. MacLeod never rushed my appointments and I received all answers to my long lists of questions. I was also very happy with the nurses and the anesthesiologist team as well. Overall, I can say The Family Birthing Centre at MGH met my expectations and provided me with exceptional care.
Breastfeeding clinic
Breastfeeding can be the most challenging skill to learn for new moms, and breastfeeding clinics are an essential support. Common reasons for visiting a clinic might be a supply issue, medication concerns, pumping and storage questions, painful feeding, preterm baby or multiple babies (twins, triples).
The Breastfeeding Clinic at MGH is located in D Wing, 4th floor, room D405, and it is open to all families. Please note it is not a walk-in clinic. Appointments can be made by leaving a message at 416-469-6580 ext. 6667. I spent many hours in this clinic and I always felt supported. The team encourages skin-to-skin contact, helps you learn to breastfeed/chestfeed and to recognize baby’s cues to determine when baby is hungry. Important to mention that at MGH they use terminology chestfeeding and breastfeeding interchangeably.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Expectant patients must submit the pre-registration package given by their prenatal care provider at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. You can also find pre-registration package on MGH website. At this time, you can also sign up for online tours and prenatal classes through the Birthing Clinic. Expecting parents can also access prenatal classes through the East York Midwives Clinic.
At home
To leave the hospital, new parents must have a car seat that meets the standards of Transport Canada, and which has not expired. Look for the National Safety Mark! And note that the sale of car seats without the National Safety Mark is illegal!
Once you get home, you need to schedule your first check-up. Your newborn baby should see their midwife, family doctor, or paediatrician within two days after leaving the Birthing Centre. Also, try to do a regular self-check for signs of postpartum depression. Also, Michael Garron Hospital, via its partnership of SeamlessMD, provides a free app which guides new parents through their postpartum with reminders and notifications.
If you are interested in preserving the memories of your motherhood journey, please check my newborn and maternity photography portfolio and contact me asap!
