The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance and staff at the Stratford General Hospital unveiled a brand new Wavecare Sensory Delivery Room on Wednesday.
Audra Boersen, Manager of the Maternal Child Unit in Stratford, explains what the new room, the first of its kind in Canada, does.
"It uses visuals, sound and lighting to create a really calming, home-like environment for our labouring patients and their partners. Just to help alleviate, discomfort, help to provide a focus for our patients that are labouring, and yeah, there's nine different themes available that can be changed at any time by the patient, the partner, the healthcare provider to change the energy in the room," Boersen shared.
Boersen adds that a similar room is being brought to the mental health unit at Stratford General, as well.
The inspiration to create such a space, as Boersen explains, came from one-time funding through the former Local Health Integration Network for a sensory room on the mental health inpatient unit a couple years ago.
"So when they were investigating that, they found out there were great patient outcomes and success in Denmark regarding sensory rooms in the labour and delivery unit. So talks began at that time and they decided to use that funding to implement a sensory room in both of our units, one in the maternal child unit and one in the mental health unit," said Boersen.
In regards to the many different moods or settings available, Boersen gave some examples of different settings available in the room when an expecting mother comes in, who may be experiencing anxiety or stress and may benefit from the sensory delivery room.
"So we as staff would go in and get that room set up prior to the patient going into the room. So, they're walking into that home-like setting, with the warm lights and music and nature scenes, as an example, just to start their stay in the room," Boersen noted.
Moving forward, Boersen says the room will be a huge benefit for those who may experience high anxiety and stress during the birthing process, and she hopes maybe other communities follow suit.
"Such a warm and welcoming environment, and we can change the energy anytime. I just think it's such a positive opportunity, and I hope that as word gets out, other organizations will look to implement the same type of sensory room to their labour and delivery areas. With some positive feedback, I hope to add more sensory rooms in our existing maternal child unit, as well," Boersen concluded.
First-time mom Leah gave birth to her son in the SDR in September.
“I was nervous about my labour experience and didn’t know what to expect,” Leah said. “When we learned the SDR was available I was thrilled as I was hoping this would help put my mind at ease. From the moment we arrived in the room, I felt a sense of calm. I was induced and as we waited for labour to start we were taken to the SDR and we met our Nurse. The digital screen was on and was displaying coloured lights along with calming music. It made the room feel so cozy and home-like. This set the tone for how the rest of our experience went.”