Who will deliver my baby?
The Aspen Doctor on call for the day will be taking care of you. We change doctors at 8am. Usually on a weekend, the same doctor will work Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Can I have a guarantee that my doctor is female?
At Aspen we have two wonderful male doctors as part of our team. They are both experienced and dedicated care providers who are kind and respectful. We DO NOT offer the guarantee of a female care provider.
Should I meet all the doctors? Or just some of you?
It is really up to you. Some of our patients like to schedule their appointments so that they can meet all of the doctors at least once. Other people prefer to stick with one or two providers only. You can do what feels best to you.
Do you do group visits?
No. We offer individual appointments only.
Who can come to my appointments?
Normally we would welcome you to bring as many people (and kids) as you wanted. Due to Covid restrictions we must ask you to only have one support person at your visits and please try to not bring kids (understanding that this is not always possible).
How often will I be seen?
At the beginning of your pregnancy you will have two longer visits. The first to review your history and order your labs and first ultrasound. At the second one we will review your tests and do a physical exam. After that visits will be every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly until your baby is born.
Do I have to see Family Medicine Residents and/or medical students?
No, of course you are able to choose not to have these medical learners involved in your care. However we encourage you to try a visit with one. Patients are often surprised by how much they enjoy interacting with the medical students and young doctors.
What if I need help after office hours?
Prior to 20 weeks, you should go to your nearest emergency room. After 20 weeks, for pregnancy related concerns, you can go directly to the maternity floor at KBRH for assessment. Please try to call ahead (250-364-3444). Problems not related to pregnancy, for example, a cut needing stitches, should still be seen in ER.
How many ultrasounds do I get? And can I know the gender?
All of our patients will have a dating ultrasound in the first trimester and an anatomic scan (the one to check out all of baby's structures) at around 20 weeks. Some patients will need extra ultrasounds to monitor baby's growth.
The ultrasound tech will ask if you want to know the baby's gender. If you do, they can either tell you or write it down and put it in an envelope for you.
What about Covid?
Please see the links on our home page that have updates on the current hospital Covid policy and information about Covid vaccination and pregnancy.
When should I come for an assessment on the labour floor?
Honestly, if you are worried, you should come in. We are here to help. Common things that are reasons to come in are: concern about water breaking, not sure if I am in labour, baby not moving, bleeding, pain and falls.
I have heard that some people can't have their babies at KBRH - is this true?
Yes, unfortunately as a small regional hospital, we do not have the resources to support all women safely. This is something we are working hard to try and resolve. Reasons that a person may be counselled to deliver at a larger centre include complex medical conditions in mom, BMI greater than can be safely managed by our GP surgeons and concern that baby may have increased medical needs at birth. We will work with you to help develop a plan to support you, if you have to leave the community.
How early can my baby safely be born at KBRH?
We deliver patients who are 34 weeks and greater. If you go into labour or have ruptured membranes before 34 weeks we will transfer you to a larger centre.
The Aspen Doctor on call for the day will be taking care of you. We change doctors at 8am. Usually on a weekend, the same doctor will work Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Can I have a guarantee that my doctor is female?
At Aspen we have two wonderful male doctors as part of our team. They are both experienced and dedicated care providers who are kind and respectful. We DO NOT offer the guarantee of a female care provider.
Should I meet all the doctors? Or just some of you?
It is really up to you. Some of our patients like to schedule their appointments so that they can meet all of the doctors at least once. Other people prefer to stick with one or two providers only. You can do what feels best to you.
Do you do group visits?
No. We offer individual appointments only.
Who can come to my appointments?
Normally we would welcome you to bring as many people (and kids) as you wanted. Due to Covid restrictions we must ask you to only have one support person at your visits and please try to not bring kids (understanding that this is not always possible).
How often will I be seen?
At the beginning of your pregnancy you will have two longer visits. The first to review your history and order your labs and first ultrasound. At the second one we will review your tests and do a physical exam. After that visits will be every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and then weekly until your baby is born.
Do I have to see Family Medicine Residents and/or medical students?
No, of course you are able to choose not to have these medical learners involved in your care. However we encourage you to try a visit with one. Patients are often surprised by how much they enjoy interacting with the medical students and young doctors.
What if I need help after office hours?
Prior to 20 weeks, you should go to your nearest emergency room. After 20 weeks, for pregnancy related concerns, you can go directly to the maternity floor at KBRH for assessment. Please try to call ahead (250-364-3444). Problems not related to pregnancy, for example, a cut needing stitches, should still be seen in ER.
How many ultrasounds do I get? And can I know the gender?
All of our patients will have a dating ultrasound in the first trimester and an anatomic scan (the one to check out all of baby's structures) at around 20 weeks. Some patients will need extra ultrasounds to monitor baby's growth.
The ultrasound tech will ask if you want to know the baby's gender. If you do, they can either tell you or write it down and put it in an envelope for you.
What about Covid?
Please see the links on our home page that have updates on the current hospital Covid policy and information about Covid vaccination and pregnancy.
When should I come for an assessment on the labour floor?
Honestly, if you are worried, you should come in. We are here to help. Common things that are reasons to come in are: concern about water breaking, not sure if I am in labour, baby not moving, bleeding, pain and falls.
I have heard that some people can't have their babies at KBRH - is this true?
Yes, unfortunately as a small regional hospital, we do not have the resources to support all women safely. This is something we are working hard to try and resolve. Reasons that a person may be counselled to deliver at a larger centre include complex medical conditions in mom, BMI greater than can be safely managed by our GP surgeons and concern that baby may have increased medical needs at birth. We will work with you to help develop a plan to support you, if you have to leave the community.
How early can my baby safely be born at KBRH?
We deliver patients who are 34 weeks and greater. If you go into labour or have ruptured membranes before 34 weeks we will transfer you to a larger centre.