St. Paul’s Hospital Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Centre is one of British Columbia’s provincial centres for high-risk maternal care. Approximately 20 per cent of the babies born at St. Paul’s are born to parents with complex medical, social or obstetrical needs.
If you are referred to St. Paul’s Hospital because of your care needs, our dedicated complex care coordinator will be your liaison and main point of contact. Their goal is to normalize your experience of pregnancy as much as possible. They will:
- Develop a care plan to support you through your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Where possible, they will coordinate your pregnancy and postpartum care in your home community or use virtual visits to minimize your travel.
- Ensure all relevant speciality services are involved in your care.
- Organize diagnostic tests and coordinate appointments.
- Coordinate a one-on-one specialized online workshop to help empower you as a new parent.
- Connect with care coordinators in your local community, as required.
- Refer you to infant feeding resources during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
The team at the Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Centre works closely with specialists in cardiology, hematology, nephrology, gastroenterology, acute mental health and addictions, respirology, anesthesiology, rheumatology, and transplantation. This approach means all the specialists involved in your care will meet to share their knowledge and expertise and make plans for a safe delivery for you and your baby.
A pediatrician will be involved to develop care recommendations for your baby. Once your baby is delivered, the pediatrician will assess your child for any risk factors based on your medical condition and ensure your medications or treatment plans are safe for breast feeding.
Read one mom’s story about how the complex care team at St. Paul’s saved her life and ensured the health of her first child.