Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 27 Labour, delivery and postpartum care all take place in this same pleasant “bedroom” that simulates a home birth, in a safe environment staffed by caring medical professionals. “We offer stellar care in a hospital setting,” said Julie Rojas, Patient Care Manager for Women and Children’s Healthcare for Lakeridge Health. “It’s like a home away from home… very patient-friendly.” Having a baby in a home-like setting surrounded by loved ones makes birthing a more positive and less stressful experience. There are eight family doctors at Lakeridge Health Port Perry who care for expectant moms and deliver babies. Everyone on the NLC staff of 19, from surgeons and nurses to housekeeping staff, all work together as a team. The emphasis is on ensuring that each birth experi- ence is family focused. Individual birth plans are followed as closely as possible. “Family tours of the New Life Centre are offered ahead of time so people can get mentally prepared,” commented RN Ardis Morrison. On July 23, 2016, first time par- ents Matt and Danielle of Little Britain welcomed their handsome little son Julian into the world at the New Life Centre. Danielle, who is a nurse in another department at Port Perry hospital and her hus- band, “couldn’t be happier” with the experience. “It was great. We loved it,” enthused Matt. “The staff was so helpful, and took such good care of us.” They loved sharing the private room, plus they en- joyed all the friendly TLC of staying in a small town hospital. Sometimes it’s a Grandma, or a sister or a friend in the birthing room with Mom, sleeping overnight on the cot. “Family is whoever the patient says they are,” Julie explained. It’s all about togetherness, and making the new mom feel comfortable. Julian, a calm and healthy baby boy, was 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 ½” long at birth. At six days old, his parents brought him for a return visit to meet with lactation con- sultant Ardis, in the education room, another home-like setting, furnished with comfy sofas and chairs and nice artwork. Long time local nurses, Alice Lee and Ardis Morrison, are both Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants, qualified to share advice on breastfeeding and address any questions or con- cerns. For prenatal care, Lamaze Childbirth Educator RN Sandra Carrier holds popular weekend courses to coach expectant moth- ers and their partners. HOME AWAY FROM HOME ...................... Please turn to page 28 Parents Matt and Danielle welcomed their son Julian on July 23 this year, at the New Life Centre. “Spacious, beautifully decorated room. Comfy bed and extra cot. Flat screen TV. DVD player for music. Mini fridge. Private shower and bathroom. Room service meals….” No, this is not an ad for a lovely hotel suite. It’s a description of the New Life Centre rooms at Lakeridge Health, Port Perry, where an average of 300 babies are born each year. NEW LIFE CENTRE