Giving Birth at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie: Tips and Guidance!

Planning to welcome your little one at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH)? As an Ontario doula, I have support families through the Birthing Unit on the 4th floor of RVH.

RVH is a Level II+ facility, meaning it is incredibly well-equipped for everything from low-intervention natural births to more complex deliveries requiring the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and complex surgeries. Here is everything you need to know about labouring at RVH from a doula’s perspective.

The Birthing Unit at RVH is designed with "Family-Centred Care" in mind. This means that, whenever possible, you, your partner, and your baby will stay together in the same room from admission until you are ready to go home.

1. The Labour & Delivery Rooms

The rooms at RVH are spacious and private. Each room is equipped with:

• A specialized birthing bed that converts to support various birthing positions; such as the throne position and side-lying.

• A private bathroom with a shower (using warm water can help immensely with pain management). One separate whirlpool room may be available for use in labour. Ask as soon as you get to triage if you want to use hydrotherapy in labour.

  Note: Hospital policy does not permit waterbirth or pushing (second stage) stage

• Space for your partner to sit and support you.
  Packing Tip: Bring an extra pillow and blanket from home for birthing partners to get comfy (naps are often welcome, especially in long labours or labours with an epidural).

• Large windows (the North Tower often has great views of Barrie, which can be surprisingly grounding during early labour!).

2. Doula Support at RVH

One of the best things about RVH is their positive relationship with doulas. The nursing staff at RVH generally views doulas as a valuable part of the birth team.

• Policy: Typically, RVH allows two support people (e.g., your partner and your doula).

• How I help: While the nurses focus on your clinical safety and monitoring, I stay by your side continuously to provide hip squeezes, position suggestions, lactation support and emotional reassurance.

Tips for a Better Birth Experience at RVH

• Bring Your Own Comforts: While RVH provides the essentials, I recommend bringing your own pillows (at least two: with non-white pillowcases so they don't get lost in hospital laundry), a warm blanket, a long phone charging cable, a bluetooth speaker, and a cooler with a hearty post-birth dinner and your favourite labour snacks.

• Utilize the "Birthing Ball": RVH has birthing balls and peanut balls available. Using these can help open the pelvis and encourage the baby to descend—I can help you navigate these positions safely.

• Parking & Arrival: Use the Main Entrance or the Emergency Entrance if it's after hours. Park in the main visitor lot. I always tell my clients: Don't forget to take a photo of where you parked—the last thing you want to do when being discharged is hunt for your car!

The Postpartum Period at RVH

After your baby is born, RVH emphasizes Skin-to-Skin contact immediately. This "Golden Hour" is vital for stabilizing the baby’s temperature and encouraging the first breastfeed. You may need to advocate for procedures like delayed cord clamping beyond 1 minute, or expectant management of the placenta, if desired.

If you have a straightforward birth, you may be discharged as early as 24 hours. During that time, the RVH lactation consultants and nurses are available to help you get started with feeding, though a doula may take a gentler approach to breastfeeding initiation, such as encouraging the “breast crawl” and putting a warm compress behind mom’s neck to help her relax.

Need a Professional Partner for your Birth at RVH?

Navigating a large hospital like RVH can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. As your doula, I’m familiar with the layout, the staff, and the "flow" of the unit, allowing you to focus entirely on your baby. Whether you plan to give birth at RVH with the Barrie Midwives or the obstetrics team, I am there for you, whether as your advocate, a hand to hold, or your coach for breathing in labour.

We also offer Birth Photography at RVH

Contact Doula By The Bay to book a free consultation for your Barrie birth doula support.