Regional Birthing Program
About The Program
The Regional Birthing Program provides obstetrical services to families across the North Simcoe Muskoka region.
Overview
At OSMH, we understand that welcoming new life into the world is one of the most profound and personal experiences families will experience. Whether you are preparing for your first baby or welcoming another baby into a growing family, we are here to support you every step of the way – with compassion, expertise and care that is tailored to your unique journey.
Approximately 1200 babies are born at OSMH each year. Our Regional Birthing Program is a level 2c center that provides care through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Our Birthing Program is directly connected to a level 2c Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for babies who may require additional care following birth.
Our Team
At the heart of our Birthing Program is a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who bring compassion and expertise to every pregnancy journey. We have a dynamic group of Obstetricians, Midwives, Family Doctors, Nurses and other health care professionals who work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for expectant families and their babies.
Nursing Team
Our nurses are the heartbeat of our birthing unit. Specially trained in obstetrics and newborn care, they provide round-the-clock support, comfort and clinical expertise to help you feel safe and cared for throughout your stay.
Obstetricians
We have highly skilled obstetricians who bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to pregnancy and birthing care. They specialize in routine and high-risk pregnancies, ensuring that every birth is supported by a high level of expert care.
Registered Midwives
Our Birthing Program is privileged to work along side three separate midwifery teams from across the Simcoe-Muskoka Region. Our midwives are a compassionate team who birthing preferences and support a calm and empowering environment.
Family Doctors
Our team includes family doctors who provide obstetrical care, offering continuity and a trusted relationship throughout pregnancy and delivery. These physicians brings a holistic perspective to care, supporting families with warmth and familiarity.
Preparing For Your Stay
We strive to make your birthing experience as calm, comfortable and supported a possible. Here’s what you can expect – and how to prepare – for your stay at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
OSMH Birthing Program Tour Video
Pre-Admission Information
If you think you might be in labour or have any concerns about your pregnancy (e.g. bleeding, you haven’t felt your baby move), please come directly to the Birthing Unit for assessment. If you’re able, please call to let us know that you are coming in at 705 327 9123.
If you are coming to the Birthing Unit for a booked appointment (Rhogam Injection, Scheduled Ultrasound etc.), please register at the main entrance of the hospital in central registration first.
Birthing Plan
At OSMH, we honour your birthing plan and encourage you to share it with us! Should your plans need to change, we’ll collaborate together in decision-making and support you in making an informed choice. We assist all patients to their desired birthing position, do not offer routine episiotomies, support delayed cord clamping and uninterrupted skin-to-skin in the first 1-2 hours of life when it is safe to do so.
What to Bring:
We recommend packing the following items to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible:
Click here for a downloadable checklist
For the Birthing Person:
- Peri pads, or absorbent briefs
- Few pairs of dark coloured underwear (consider high waisted ones)
- Flip flops or sandals that can be easily washed
- Comfortable clothes; to wear home and in hospital if you choose
- A comfortable pillow
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, tooth brush, tooth paste, lip chap, etc.)
- A blue/black ink pen
For support person:
- A pillow
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Comfortable/easy to apply footwear for in the hospital
- Comfortable clothing to wear/sleep in
- Toiletries (as above)
For baby: Please leave this bag in the car until after baby is born
- Bag of diapers
- Wipes
- Vaseline/coconut oil/bum ointment of choice
- Baby shampoo of choice, if desired
- Hat and cozy blanket
- Receiving blanket and going home outfit
- Car seat (leave in car until being discharged home)
Newborn Care and Infant Feeding Clinics
Our Infant Feeding Clinic is dedicated to helping parents and babies thrive during the early stages of life. We provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance for all aspects of breastfeeding, including latch techniques, milk supply concerns, pumping strategies and management of common feeding challenges.
Our Certified Lactation Consultant offers personalized care in a supportive environment. The clinic is open during weekdays and is available by appointment only. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time for registration.
Visiting Guidelines
While in hospital, one support person is welcome to stay with the birthing person, however they must bring their own pillow, linens, food and any other items they may need during their stay. In labour, we allow a maximum of two support persons to stay with the patient. If you need a c-section, one support person can accompany you to the operating room
Please note that visiting guidelines are subject to change. For more information about visiting, please visit the “Visiting a Patient” section on the website.
Community Resources
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
Through the HBHC program, a public health nurse and family home visitor are available to visit with you and your family in your home or in the community to discuss what help and support you feel you need. This program is completely free, and is for prenatal families, and parents with infants and young children up to the transition to school who have been identified as needing additional support. To get connected to the HBHC program, ask your nurse or midwife for more information about the HBHC program while in the hospital having your baby. Information is available by visiting www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Prenatal Classes
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provides FREE in-person prenatal classes for residents of Simcoe Muskoka. These classes cover topics that include labour and birth, comfort measures, medical procedures, newborns, breastfeeding and after baby is born. Classes are offered in Orillia as well as Angus, Barrie, Bracebridge, Bradford, Collingwood, Huntsville, and Midland. Click here for more information.
As alternative options to support families who are unable to attend in-person classes, SMDHU offers FREE live virtual prenatal classes or FREE self-guided online prenatal classes which include early pregnancy topics. For more information and for client registration, visit www.smdhu.org/prenatalclass.
Click here for Simcoe Muskoka Breastfeeding Support Resources
Click here for Perinatal Mental Health Resources
Educational Resources