Giving a grown up twist to the term 'time out,' a Montreal hospital is giving mothers and their newborn babies some special time to bond each day, free from interruption.
For one hour every day, St. Mary's Hospital Center implements a "quiet time," when the ward's lights are dimmed, the hospital intercom is turned off, and visitors are encouraged to leave.
Doctors and nurses don't visit patients either, unless there is an emergency.
"These moments of rest [are] very important to decrease anxiety and stress level," maternity and youth program assistant director Marie-France Brizard told CTV News, adding that the down time also helps new mothers adapt to life with their babies.
The idea was implemented after joint research with McGill University examined the benefits of a peaceful hospital environment.
Interruptions to their sleep schedule can affect new mothers’ health, and lead to postpartum mental health disorders, researchers wrote in BMC Health Services Research.
Researchers pinpointed the afternoon as a perfect time for a quiet period, as that's when the body reaches a natural low.
It may have taken some adjustment, but staff and patients are pleased with the hour of peace and quiet.
"No one interrupts you, no one comes to ask you for any questions, no temperature, no pressure or no test with the baby is just great," said Carla Odige, a new mother staying at the hospital. "You're here and you just look at your baby and you're like 'I did this, this is mine, this is amazing'."
With a report from Vanessa Lee in Montreal
