As one of the busiest childbirth programs in Ontario and the largest community hospital-based obstetrical service in Waterloo Region, close to 4,300 babies enter the world at Grand River Hospital every year. Almost 800 of them are preemies who need our expertise in neonatal intensive care. Although most childbirth stories have a happy ending, some unfortunately do not. One in ten women experience a postpartum mood disorder that affects their ability to parent and bond with their newborn. Some pregnancies end in loss either through miscarriage or stillbirth. And for others, a premature arrival, or the birth of a baby with a special need can bring tremendous anxiety.

At Grand River, our Childbirth program also delivers babies to women who themselves may be considered ‘at risk’ or have risk factors in their lives that could potentially endanger them or their infant. Some of these factors include living with an abusive partner, being a teenager or a single mom, having limited social support or trouble understanding English, disability, chronic illness, trauma or living with a mental health need that requires treatment. Of the 4,300 deliveries at Grand River Hospital, approximately 10% involve one or more of these factors. Though services are available in the community though family doctors, public health, non-profit groups and private practitioners, accessing these services can be more difficult for some women than others.

At Grand River a social worker meets with each mom before discharge to identify and help mitigate barriers, facilitate connections to the appropriate services, and offer information on how to get help quickly should difficulties arise. The postpartum wellness fund falls under the purview of the Clinical Director for the Children’s Program and requires a recommendation from the social worker for each unique situation to access the items listed below:

• Transportation – taxi vouchers to bring baby home or to a first postpartum appointment; bus fare to and from the hospital when baby can’t be discharged with mom; hospital parking vouchers for clinic follow-ups; on an emergency basis, transportation of a sick baby to specialized care elsewhere
• Overnight Stays – $10 per night is charged for use of a sleep room near the neonatal intensive care unit; some parents must stay for weeks
• Meal vouchers for the hospital cafeteria, or Tim Hortons; families who must spend considerable time in the hospital sometimes need help with the cost of food
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) booklets – a collection of booklets, available in several languages, touching on sensitive topics
• Memory Boxes – supplies to create memorabilia, boxes for families who are bereaved, such as lockets for hair, moulding compound for hand casts, knitted blankets, tiny teddy bears and toys, and cards for footprints and messages; memory boxes are put together by the clinical team and are deeply treasured
• “Rescue Kits” to help moms with short-term needs. For example, a kit for women admitted urgently from the Emergency Department might contain a toothbrush, body lotion, shampoo and slippers. A going-home kit may be stocked with baby supplies for two days, including diapers, Vaseline, baby wipes, and a sleeper