Choosing the right medical facility for childbirth is a major decision. It significantly impacts the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Calgary offers a wide range of healthcare facilities that provide pregnancy and delivery services. icalgary offers this breakdown of your choices.
Foothills Medical Centre
Often referred to simply as Foothills Hospital, this is the oldest hospital in Calgary with a functioning maternity ward. Located near 16 Ave & 29 St NW, it also has the busiest labour and delivery unit. Foothills serves the city’s highest-risk patients because it houses the highest-level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The maternity ward is on the 5th floor of the main building, offering incredible views of the city. Key features of Foothills Hospital include:
- Spacious labour rooms that are notably larger than standard units. This design helps women feel comfortable and relaxed during childbirth.
- Every room includes comfortable chairs where a partner, for example, can rest while providing support.
- Two operating rooms are conveniently located near the labour wards for rapid response in case of unforeseen complications.
- Some rooms feature private bathtubs for added privacy and comfort.
- The clinic has a high-level NICU for babies who require extra care.
- The medical centre has two buffets where you can grab a bite and recharge after giving birth.
Be aware that parking can be challenging, as the main visitor lot was converted into a parkade. Only two support persons are allowed in the delivery room, and post-delivery, the recovery rooms are shared.
Peter Lougheed Centre
This is one of Calgary’s newer hospitals, located at 36 St & 26 Ave NE. The maternity ward here is quite busy, with births taking place on the 5th floor. While there are plenty of retail stores nearby, the area lacks scenic views or walking spots. A large open-air parking lot is situated on the hospital’s west side. Future mothers can feel confident knowing that two operating rooms are located on the same floor. The hospital also features two cafés for quick refreshments.
Keep in mind that only two support people are allowed in the delivery room. A few private post-delivery rooms are available, and it is recommended that you bring your own exercise ball for comfort.
Rockyview General Hospital
Ranking third by annual birth rate in the city, this clinic is located on 14 St SW between Glenmore and Heritage. It’s a modern facility offering comfortable conditions for mothers and families. The labour and delivery unit is on the 6th floor, and most rooms offer fantastic views of the Glenmore Reservoir. This location is also appealing because mothers can enjoy quiet, picturesque outdoor walks. Be aware that some rooms are small, and the bathrooms lack windows. A few private post-delivery rooms are available.
Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary is characterized by the following features.
- Most of the clinic’s wards are spacious for maximum comfort during waiting and delivery.
- Private bathrooms ensure added privacy. Comfortable resting chairs are available.
- Conveniently, there is a café, a main cafeteria, and a large parking area for visitors.
- The facility employs highly qualified medical staff, and two fully equipped operating rooms are located on the floor.
South Health Campus (SHC)
This is the newest hospital in Calgary, situated in the southwest area of the city near Deerfoot and Stoney Trail. The hospital delivers only about half the number of babies annually compared to the other main clinics. The labour and delivery unit is on the 7th floor, offering scenic views, and the operating rooms are on a separate floor. The clinic’s planning and construction emphasized wellness and incorporated the latest technology.
South Health Campus is located in a new neighbourhood. Underground parking is available, and there are free two-hour street parking spots nearby. A significant convenience is that the mother and baby remain in the same room for the entire process: pre-labour, labour, and postpartum recovery.
Every room has a TV, and partners are welcome to stay overnight. Portable birthing tubs are permitted, and the bathrooms feature open showers. The South Health Campus also provides a room service menu for patients.
High River Hospital
This clinic is located in a quiet residential area in southwestern High River, about a 25-minute drive from Calgary’s southern border. It only accepts low-risk patients, and care may sometimes be transferred to other facilities as High River Hospital does not have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
On average, one baby is born here daily. The atmosphere is calm, and the labour and delivery unit is on the main floor. The surroundings offer many quiet spots, ideal for peaceful walks, as the hospital borders a school field.
Expectant mothers can look forward to:
- Modern delivery suites designed with the latest standards in mind.
- Each room is equipped with specialized bathtubs that can be used for natural, water-assisted childbirth.
- Overnight accommodations are provided for the partner or other trusted support person.
Additionally, free on-site and street parking, the availability of emergency C-sections, and a longer post-delivery stay are notable benefits.
Arbour Birth Centre
This was Western Canada’s first stand-alone birth centre, established by Dianne Tapp in 1994. The Arbour Birth Centre serves as an alternative birthing location, offering a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. The clinic is housed in a two-story residential-style building, featuring three birth rooms, a kitchen, and a lounge on the upper floor, with the midwifery clinic and administrative offices on the ground floor.
Although the facility is physically and administratively separate from any hospital, the Arbour Birth Centre is only minutes away from Foothills Hospital and emergency services. From here, you can also easily and quickly reach Rockyview Hospital, where there is an emergency department.
The centre’s policy supports the practice of keeping mother and baby together for a quicker transition to breastfeeding. Families are typically ready to return home 2-4 hours after the baby’s birth, provided there are no complications. To use the birth centre’s services, the expectant mother must be under the care of a registered midwife.
Calgary and Childbirth
It’s worth noting that Calgary boasts a highly developed healthcare system where you can expect quality medical care. The city offers many options for medical facilities that meet the highest standards, each with its own advantages. Before making a decision, you should thoroughly research each one. Look at reviews from other mothers, and consider the specialization and the location’s convenience for you. Comparing the features of different birth centres is key.
