Hôpital de Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit moving temporarily to the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme

As of December 12 at 8:00 AM, the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit will temporarily move to the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme.

Pregnant women in the Laurentians will continue to have access to the same care, provided by the same teams, but in a different location.

No action is required on the part of pregnant women who have planned to give birth at the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache. They will be informed by the healthcare professional monitoring their pregnancy and are asked to raise any questions or concerns they may have with the latter.

We understand that the change of venue may raise concerns and questions. Please know that you will be supported at every stage of your pregnancy by caring professionals who will be available to answer your questions. Your safety, your comfort and that of your child are our top priorities.

Frequently asked questions

Where will I give birth now that the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit is closed?

You will be cared for at the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme by the medical team and nurses of the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit. They stand ready to welcome you into their care with the same consideration and respect as they would in your familiar hospital environment.

To help you prepare to give birth at the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme, a virtual tour of the Birthing Unit is available online at :

• Virtual tour of the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme Birthing Unit

Can I choose to give birth elsewhere?

You can. If you prefer to give birth at another birthing facility in the Laurentians or close to where you live, you can go to a partner facility that provides the services of a birthing unit, safely. There are several birthing facilities in the Laurentians:

• Maison de naissance du Boisé-de-Blainville
• Centre multiservices de santé et de services sociaux de Sainte-Agathe
• Hôpital de Mont-Laurier

Please discuss your options with the healthcare professional monitoring your pregnancy, who will be able to assist you in requesting the change. If you do not have an assigned pregnancy care professional, please consult the list of delivery physicians for the hospital where you wish to give birth. 

If necessary, can I contact the Birthing Unit at the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme?

For any questions about your pregnancy or when to go to the hospital, please call the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme Birthing Unit by dialling 450-432-2777 extension 28442.

What happens in case of an emergency?

You must call 911. You will receive assistance immediately and will be directed to the facility best equipped to meet your needs.

What is the procedure for follow-ups after the delivery?

Postnatal follow-ups for mother and baby continue to be provided near where you live, at the CLSC closest to your home and by midwives for new mothers in their care.

However, postnatal follow-ups that require hospital care in the first ten days after birth will take place at the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache, depending on medical recommendations. 

Can I be accompanied during childbirth?

Yes. The presence of your loved ones remains a priority. The rules for accompaniment are maintained so that you can be surrounded and supported in experiencing those important moments. 

Why must the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit be moved to the Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme?

This temporary solution is necessary due to the current shortage of gynecologist/obstetricians and to guarantee the continuity of care provided to pregnant women.

That way, pregnant women in the Laurentians can continue to receive the same care, provided by the same teams, only in a different location.

Giving birth in our hospitals

All CISSS des Laurentides birthing hospitals offer services that meet the quality and safety standards recommended by the highest health authorities, and offer a warm and human approach that respects individual needs. 

If you have chosen to give birth at a CISSS des Laurentides hospital, here is what you need to know:

Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme
Birthing unit, 4th floor
Telephone: 450-432-2777, ext. 28440
Virtual tour (in French only)

Hôpital de Saint-Eustache
Birthing unit, 2nd floor
Telephone: 450-473-6811, ext. 42180

Centre multiservices de santé et de services sociaux de Sainte-Agathe (former Hôpital Laurentien)
Birthing unit, 1st floor
Telephone: 819-324-4000, ext. 34481

Hôpital de Mont-Laurier
Mother-Child Complex, 2nd floor
Telephone: 819-623-1234, ext. 4269

Information about visits

The father, or a significant person, can stay with the mother at all times. Grandparents, brothers and sisters are also admitted at all times. 

Children under the age of 12 years visiting a new mother (siblings and other children) are admitted on condition that they are accompanied by an adult and do not present any signs of infection. 

• Visits during labour and delivery

A maximum of two (2) visitors, excluding the father, are permitted.

Giving birth in a birth centre

Maison de naissance du Boisé-de-Blainville

Visits are authorized upon request. Please consult your midwife for more information.

The stages of labour and delivery

The different stages of labour

Stage 1: Cervical dilation

• Latent phase (0 to 3-4 cm): During this period, the frequency, duration and intensity of contractions vary. No intervention is necessary, unless there is loss of fluid.
• Active phase (3-4  to 10 cm): Contractions are more frequent and painful, leading to full cervical dilation.

Stage 2: The baby’s descent and pushing

• Once the baby reaches the pelvic floor, the urge to push is triggered. It starts as a vague sensation that gets more intense as the baby descends, leading to his or her birth.

  The baby’s head emerges, then the shoulders. Usually, with the next contraction, the baby is born. Delivery after the head emerges is generally very fast.

Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

• The uterus contracts rhythmically to deliver the placenta. This is not painful.
• This is one of the most important periods for promoting skin-to-skin contact and encouraging breastfeeding. It also serves to complete the transition from foetal life to life outside the womb and to maintain the baby’s temperature.

When to go to the hospital or birth centre?

When is it time to go to the hospital or birthing centre or to contact your midwife?

• Your water has broken
• You are having regular contractions
• There is bleeding
• Your baby is moving less

Additional information about contractions

When contractions begin, it is recommended that you wait until they are regular before heading to the hospital or birthing centre. 

What are regular contractions?

• 1st baby: every 5 min; duration of 1 min, for 2 hours
• 2nd (or subsequent) baby: every 5 min; duration of 1 min, for 1 hour

When in doubt, contact your midwife or your hospital’s birthing unit. 

What to bring to the hospital or birth centre

Consult the list of things to bring for you and your baby so that you are well prepared for your stay, in the From Tiny Tot to Toddler (p.169) guide.