Reason to love Toronto: Because giving birth is (almost) like a day at the spa
Let’s put aside, for a second, the debate about hospital births versus home births. Let’s just acknowledge that 99 per cent of women in Canada deliver their babies in hospitals—some with midwives, some with doctors, some with epidurals, some without. Now let’s talk about the hospital rooms where the event takes place. Many are dingy and cramped, with walls so thin you can hear other women howling in agony next door. After delivery, moms might be transferred to a postpartum room that’s shared—toilet, shower and all—with one or two other women. Preemies are taken to intensive care rooms, packed with incubators, that offer families as much privacy as a bus shelter. In this quasi-public environment, moms and dads brave their first magical, terrifying parental night.
The experience is about to get better for the 4,500 women a year who are lucky enough to deliver in Sunnybrook Hospital’s sprawling new maternity ward. The $198-million facility is equipped with 20 relatively palatial private rooms with Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms (many with whirlpools), and windows overlooking the leafy Don Valley. The high-tech NICU floor features 48 private, curtained rooms nestled in the building’s interior to mimic the insulation of a womb. The waiting area is tricked out with a fireplace, flat-screen TV and even video games. It’s all designed to put families at ease, and they should enjoy the comforts while they can—it’s the most peace they’ll get for the next 18 years.
 like a day at the spa&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/rtlt-maternity.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_40654" align="alignright" width="320" caption="(Image: Christopher Wahl)"][/caption]
Let’s put aside, for a second, the debate about hospital births versus home births. Let’s just acknowledge that 99 per cent of women in Canada deliver their babies in hospitals—some with midwives, some with doctors, some with epidurals, some without. Now let’s talk about the hospital rooms where the event takes place. Many are dingy and cramped, with walls so thin you can hear other women howling in agony next door. After delivery, moms might be transferred to a postpartum room that’s shared—toilet, shower and all—with one or two other women. Preemies are taken to intensive care rooms, packed with incubators, that offer families as much privacy as a bus shelter. In this quasi-public environment, moms and dads brave their first magical, terrifying parental night.
The experience is about to get better for the 4,500 women a year who are lucky enough to deliver in Sunnybrook Hospital’s sprawling new maternity ward. The $198-million facility is equipped with 20 relatively palatial private rooms with Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms (many with whirlpools), and windows overlooking the leafy Don Valley. The high-tech NICU floor features 48 private, curtained rooms nestled in the building’s interior to mimic the insulation of a womb. The waiting area is tricked out with a fireplace, flat-screen TV and even video games. It’s all designed to put families at ease, and they should enjoy the comforts while they can—it’s the most peace they’ll get for the next 18 years.){kind=link}
So, do you have to pay for this?
If you don’t have private coverage through an employer, you betcha! We didn’t (the joys of self employment) and in Peterborough, a private room was a $400 upgrade… as our wee one was born Dec 23, Santa (a.k.a Grandma) got me a private room for Christmas and all I can say is thank goodness for her! Okay, no whirlpool for us, but we did have ensuite and a bed for dad, television and Internet (for a price).
For our first 2 kids we requested the private room at Mount Sinai and was denied in both cases. They charge 350/night. I really do think that if you have the money to do it – you should. I hated sharing rooms…babies crying, parents panicking, etc… Sometimes you want to have that private time to yourself… Sunnybrook is definetely answering a need.
I’m due in a week, it’s a huge relief to know that I’ll be in good facilities. I think it makes a huge difference & will take away some of the stress. I’m happy that Sunnybrook is stepping up. I was going to WCH up until they moved there in September, and the building downtown is certainly passed it’s prime. I’m thankful to be at Sunnybrook’s maternity ward when the baby arrives.
im planning to give birth via cs @ sunnybrook hospital but im wondering if its free or not. can anyone give me an idea. how about the consultation w/ the ob -gyne is it free? thanks
This is a blatant lie. I’m at sunnybrook and have been forced to stay in the family lounge overnight after a 22 hour pregnancy. Wife is in tears. The moment you give birth you are forced to leave the birthing rooms. This article is extremely misleading.