Maternity Visiting Program

What is the Maternity Visiting Program?

The Maternity Visiting Program is a program for mothers, newborn babies and their families. It provides support and care at home following the birth of the baby. The program is delivered by Public Health Nurses from the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

With today's improved medical care and community support services, mothers and babies can go home after a shorter stay in hospital. This may be as soon as several hours after delivery for vaginal births. For caesarean births, it may be as soon as a few days.

Why is going home earlier better for me, my baby and family?

• At home, you and your baby will be more comfortable and will rest better.
• You can breastfeed your baby more comfortably in your own home environment. This will help you to establish a healthy breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
• Family bonding will be strengthened.

How can the Maternity Visiting Program help me at home?

A Public Health Nurse from the Maternity Visiting Program will check both you and your baby, provide health information, answer questions, give you support and help you and your family adjust.

How do I become part of the Maternity Visiting Program?

• All mothers in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region are referred to the Maternity Visiting Program.
• After delivery the doctor will help you decide when you and your baby are ready to go home.
• Once you have left the hospital, a Public Health Nurse from the Maternity Visiting Program will contact you to arrange a visit in your home. This will usually be the day after you come home.
• The Maternity Visiting Program is available to both the rural and urban clients of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.