It’s funny how extreme pain makes you remember things. The first time I went into labour, I’ll never forget the glaring lights and sterile environment of the hospital. As I wandered in circles around the labour and delivery corridors trying to speed the process along, the bland paint color was hardly the inspiration I needed to bring new life into the world. Where were the seafoam and buttercream accents that adorned every designer nursery I had committed to memory? Where was the warming fireplace? Where could my husband get some sleep? Turns out, those ideas were slowly growing here at Sunnybrook. And on September 12, 2010, they’ll be delivered just for you.
The new Women & Babies Program will welcome about 4,250 new little babies into the world every year, many being some of the sickest preemies in Ontario. While function normally trumps style in the hospital setting, the new unit manages to fuse both worlds beautifully. Good designers always recommend filling a space with things you love that actually work with your lifestyle. The 2 new floors here at Sunnybrook, which span 120,000 square feet, were created after consulting with staff and family members. Let’s just say the ‘need’ list and the ‘wish’ list are getting along splendidly. From twinkly lights to help soothe preemies, to an NICU that will change the standard of care, no detail was overlooked.
Knock on wood, both of my labours went well (if not slowly). The babies wowed, even if the décor did not. Luckily, new mothers at Sunnybrook can now enjoy the best of both worlds. Welcome to the future of having babies!
For a virtual tour of the new Women & Babies Program at Sunnybrook, click here
