I’m giving birth at B.C Women’s… what should I expect?
First of all, congratulations! Whether this is your first baby or you’re a seasoned pro, giving birth is a big deal, and knowing what to expect can help ease some of the nerves. B.C. Women’s Hospital in Vancouver is one of the top maternity hospitals in Canada, specializing in high-quality care for expectant parents. So, let’s walk through what your birth experience might look like.
Arriving at the Hospital
First off, how do you know if you’re in labour? Check the symptoms noted on this page. When labour kicks in (or if you have a scheduled induction or C-section), you’ll head to B.C. Women’s, located on Oak Street. The entrance for labour and delivery is through Entrance 97, which is open 24/7. Parking is available on-site, but it can be pricey, so consider getting a taxi, or at least be on top of paying… they do ticket! You’re not exactly thinking about topping up the meter mid-push! It could be helpful to do a practice run of your driving route, and finding parking & the entrance ahead of time, to make things as smooth as they can be in the moment.
Once inside, you’ll check in at the Birthing Unit, where a nurse will assess you. If you’re in active labour (around 4 cm dilated and having strong contractions), you’ll likely be admitted. If not, they may send you home to labour in comfort for a bit longer.
Labour & Delivery
B.C. Women’s has private birthing rooms equipped with everything you need: an adjustable bed, a bathroom with a shower, a birth ball, and plenty of space to move around. If you have a birth plan, bring a printed copy, but know that flexibility is key. Having a framework on how you will make decisions in the moment can be helpful (see this video from The Positive Birth Company on the BRAIN framework).
Pain relief options include:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – Takes the edge off but doesn’t eliminate pain.
Epidural – A very effective option if you need more relief.
Morphine or fentanyl – Used earlier in labour if needed.
Movement, hydrotherapy, and breathing techniques – Many people find these helpful!
Your medical team will include nurses, obstetricians or midwives, and possibly medical students (it’s a teaching hospital). If complications arise, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is right there to provide specialized care for newborns.
Example of a birth and recovery room from Facebook user “Naty A” (December 2024)
C-Sections & Inductions
If you have a scheduled C-section, you’ll check in a couple of hours before your surgery, meet your surgical team, and get prepped. The procedure takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll likely be awake with a spinal block (unless there’s an emergency requiring general anesthesia). Your partner or support person will be able to join you in in the OR once you are all prepped.
For inductions, the process varies depending on your situation. You may start with a cervical ripening agent (like a balloon catheter or medication), followed by an IV drip of oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Induced labours can take longer, so patience is key!
Postpartum Care
After birth, you and baby will move to the postpartum unit, where you’ll stay in a private or semi-private room. Nurses will check on you regularly, help with breastfeeding, and monitor baby’s vitals. There will be an adjustable chair/bed for your partner to sleep on, but bringing a comfy pillow may be helpful. Most vaginal deliveries mean a 24-48 hour stay, while C-sections usually require 2-3 days.
B.C. Women’s is a baby-friendly designated hospital, meaning they prioritize skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support. But if you choose to formula feed, they’ll support you in that too!
Going Home & Discharge Plan
Before discharge, you will be offered to opt in to a hearing test, a newborn screening, and a vitamin K shot for your baby. The staff will also ensure you’re comfortable with feeding, diapering, and recognizing signs that you or baby need medical attention.
Some of the following information will come in the way of many, many leaflets, so if you have any specific questions or concerns, make sure you ask before you leave. Otherwise, your discharge plan will typically include:
Follow-up Appointments – You’ll receive information on when to see your family doctor, pediatrician, or midwife for postpartum and newborn checkups. Make sure you leave knowing when your first appointment is.
Postpartum Recovery Guidance – Instructions on wound care (if applicable), managing discomfort, and recognizing symptoms of complications like infection or postpartum depression.
Infant Care Instructions – Education on safe sleep practices, feeding schedules, diaper changes, and when to seek medical help.
Breastfeeding and Lactation Support – Contact details for lactation consultants and community resources if you need additional help.
Mental Health Resources – Information on postpartum mental health support, including local support groups and counseling options.
If you have any concerns once you’re home, you can contact your midwife team or healthcare provider or visit B.C. Women’s Urgent Care Centre for postpartum concerns.
Top tips from our community
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, depending on how busy it is at the time, the type of delivery you have, the staff that is on shift during your visit, etc. But here are some frequent tips that have come up within our community:
Things to bring: your own pillow (& one for your partner), water bottle, lip balm, snacks, white noise machine (ideally incl. night light), phone charger.
The quality of the rooms vary. We had a good experience, and while small, it was all we needed. Some community members have said their rooms were old, warm & stuffy, and that they needed to get a fan to help with comfort.
There are mixed reviews on the hospital food. I found it fine (any time I don’t have to cook is a win!), but others’ have preferred to order from a delivery service or pick up from Starbucks. Clarify with the nurses how much you can order… you can’t technically order for your partner, but if you strategically order one thing from every section, it might be enough for the two of you.
They will provide basics like disposable underwear, blankets, diapers, dry wipes etc. But if you have an eye for comfort, you can also bring your own postpartum supplies and swaddles, diapers, & wipes for baby.
Take advantage of access to the lactation consultants. Seriously!
Have your support person keep on top of parking charges
Epidurals are first come first served… so if you know you definitely want this option, it’s better to ask sooner rather later (incase it’s a a busy night!)
The Bright Start Bundle: you’’ll be asked if you want to sign up for this. The word on the street is it’s worth doing if you have extended health coverage (it’s like a donation to the hospital)… you’ll get free parking, but otherwise the majority of the rooms are private anyhow and so your chances are getting a private room are high unless it’s an unusually busy time.
And that’s it! It’s all going to go great… you’ve got this! And if you need extra support postpartum, resources like postpartum doulas, your midwife team, community lactation consultants, and The MotherFlock community are here to help. Check out this page for local supports that may be helpful.
Welcome to the wild ride of parenthood—you’re in good hands at B.C. Women’s!
Have a recommendation, or want to be featured on our page? Reach out to us at:themotherflockproject@gmail.com.
