The Women & Child Care Unit is here to support women, children, and families in Grey and Bruce counties. We are located at Owen Sound Regional Hospital and provide care for children (up to 18 years old), expectant mothers, and women’s health needs.
Our team includes pediatricians, obstetrician/gynecologists, midwives, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and support staff — all working together to provide safe, family-centred care.
Care for Women, New Parents and Babies
• After birth, you and your baby will stay together in the same room so you can bond and learn baby care with support close by.
• Outpatient services include a Birth Preparation Clinic and Lactation Consultant support for families learning to feed and care for their baby.
• The Special Care Nursery provides expert care for very sick or premature newborns. A mothers’ sleep room is available (at a small cost) for families with babies who will be going home soon.
• We also provide hospital care and recovery support for women who are admitted for gynecological surgery.
Care for Children and Youth
• Our pediatric team provides hospital care for children and teens with medical, surgical, or cancer needs.
• In some cases, children and teens may be admitted for mental health support, and our team works closely with families and caregivers to provide safe, understanding care.
• Our goal is to make hospital care as comfortable and supportive as possible for both children and their families.
Brightshores Health System is Baby-Friendly
Brightshores Health System has received the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation, a global recognition awarded to hospitals that meet specific criteria based on The Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding.With this designation, issued by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, Brightshores joins a select group of 17 multi-site healthcare systems across Canada to receive this recognition.
“Achieving a BFI designation was made possible through building trust with the families we serve,” said Jennifer Olivier, Director, Surgery and Women & Child Care Unit. “This achievement ensures that every patient who gives birth at Brightshores receives the highest standard of care to help them confidently feed, care for, and bond with their baby.”
This approach is embedded in the culture at Brightshores. Physicians, midwives, staff and volunteers participate in BFI education during their orientation and on an ongoing basis.
“This designation affirms that Brightshores meets the highest standards in helping families make informed infant feeding decisions, while also supporting bonding and attachment during the early days of life,” said Heather Christie, Manager, Women & Child Care Unit. “We are incredibly proud to be leaders in promoting optimal infant and family health by putting our youngest patients and their loved ones at the centre of their care.”
Th BFI provides a continuous quality improvement framework for best practice of infant feeding. In Canada, the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada regulates BFI designation.
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Helpful Resources for Families and Caregivers
Supporting your baby’s health, safety, and your postpartum journey.
• Health Canada: Baby Product Safety
Find safety information for nursery products such as cribs, strollers, and pacifiers to help create a safe environment for your baby.
• Transport Canada: Child Car Seat Safety
Learn how to choose, install, and use car seats properly to keep your child safe while travelling.
• Postpartum Health and Baby Care Guide
Comprehensive guidance for new parents and caregivers on recovery, baby care, and mental health after birth.
• Ontario Breastfeeds
Access 24/7 breastfeeding advice, online support, and local lactation services to help families feed their baby confidently.
• Grey Bruce Public Health: Breastfeeding
Find community programs, support groups, and guidance for breastfeeding in the Grey Bruce area.
• Public Health Agency of Canada: 10 Great Reasons to Breastfeed
Learn about the many benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and parent to make informed feeding decisions.
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