Preregistration and preparing to give birth

Preregistration

Preregistering with Markham Stouffville Hospital is a great way to make your admission process during labour simple and smooth. If you preregister with us during your pregnancy, you can provide us with information such as your room preference and insurance coverage so we’ll be all set up for you when you arrive in labour. We encourage you to preregister with us once you are 20 to 24 weeks pregnant.

Preregistering is also recommended if you are planning a home birth with a midwife, in the event that your choice of birth place changes.

When you call for preregistration, please make sure you have the following:

• Health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan: OHIP card)
• Supplementary insurance information. Please make sure you are aware of your insurance coverage. If you have supplementary insurance, we will bill them on your behalf, with the understanding that the responsibility for full payment remains with you.

Non-OHIP and Out-of-Country patient information

Thank you for choosing Markham Stouffville Hospital to deliver your baby. Costs vary depending on your resident status in Canada. At Markham Stouffville Hospital, you can choose between having an obstetrician, midwife, or family physician deliver your baby. Contact the care provider of your choice to inquire about their fees.

Preparing to give birth

Notice: Childbirth orientation sessions are canceled indefinitely. You can view the forms we hand out at the sessions here:

• Hospital bag checklist
• Hospital bag checklist (in Mandarin)
• OMama (a website and a mobile application that connects you to trusted, evidence-informed pregnancy, birth, and early parenting information)

If you have a concern about your pregnancy or think you may be in labour, call the obstetrical assessment telephone line at 905-472-7366, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will be connected with one of our registered nurses who will ask you several questions about your specific situation and work with you to establish a care plan.

Virtual Tour

Familiarize yourself with the hospital in a virtual tour, helping you better understand which entrance and elevators to take to the childbirth area. You can also get a glimpse of our 13 private labour and delivery rooms, and our postpartum rooms (13 private, 1 semi-private, 1 ward).

RSV immunization for newborns and babies under 24 months old

During the RSV season (from November 2024 to April 2025) postpartum and paediatric patients at Oak Valley Health will have the opportunity to receive nirsevimab (Beyfortus) immunization.

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lung infections, typically bringing on cold-like symptoms. While most people experience mild illness, RSV can lead to serious health complications in infants, young children, and older adults.

Why choose Beyfortus?

Backed by Health Canada, nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a trusted option for families seeking RSV protection. Beyfortus is a simple injection (monoclonal antibody) that adds a layer of protection to help prevent severe RSV complications. While it is injected into the bloodstream via a jab to a muscle, nirsevimab isn’t a vaccine.

Offered at no cost to eligible families, Beyfortus provides an additional layer of defense for children at increased risk.

Who is eligible?

Beyfortus is publicly funded for RSV prevention in Ontario for:

• Infants born January 2024, up to RSV season, or during the 2024/25 RSV season.
• High-risk children up to 24 months with:
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Severe immunodeficiency
  • Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Severe congenital airway anomalies

Where to receive Beyfortus

• Markham Stouffville Hospital: Beyfortus is available to newborns born during RSV season, administered only with expressed consent, before discharge.
• Community Health Clinic (CHC) Stouffville: Starting November 1, 2024, Beyfortus is available for infants born from January 2024, up to RSV season and under 24 months of age, that meet the eligibility criteria.
  • To book an appointment at CHC Stouffville, please call the clinic directly at 905-591-5454. You’ll be guided through screening questions before scheduling.

Triage

If you have concerns about your pregnancy, think you are in labour, or are going to be making your way to Markham Stouffville Hospital, please call our Triage Unit: 905-472-7366.

If you come for an assessment, please bring your health card to our Triage area on the 4th floor of building B. There you will be assessed by a nurse who will update your health care provider or the on call physician about your situation. Depending on your stage of labour, and your unique situation, you may be admitted or you may go home with a plan of care.

Parking Lot options

During regular business hours:

• Visitor parking lot #1 at Church Street and Butternut Lane and come in through the main entrance
• Visitor parking lot #6 off Bur Oak Avenue and come in through entrance D, beside the Emergency Department

After regular hours:

• Visitor parking lot #6 off Bur Oak Avenue and come in through the main Emergency Department entrance; security will escort you to the Childbirth Unit.

Find out more about parking at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Directions to Childbirth Unit

Take passenger elevators in the link lobby of building B to the 4th floor and follow the signs to 4WH.