A new perinatal unit where families will welcome their newborn babies into the world was celebrated Thursday at Kelowna General Hospital.

“Having a baby is one of life’s most joyous, and most stressful, moments,” said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “This new unit will provide moms and loved ones with a state-of-the-art facility and soothing atmosphere in which to enjoy the start of a new life together.”

The new perinatal unit opens to patients on March 6. It is located on the fourth floor of the recently opened Interior Heart and Surgical Centre and replaces the hospital’s existing labour and delivery unit.

“This new unit will support new families by offering patient-centered care in a personalized, wrap-around setting,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Importantly, the unit will offer private, quiet and enhanced care for new mothers and their babies and support families in this growing region at a very special time in their lives.”

This is a patient and family-centred care environment with private and semi-private rooms, and family kitchen areas that create a warm atmosphere and fosters a sense of calm and well-being for both moms and babies.

The new perinatal unit features expanded patient and clinical care space including five private labour and delivery rooms, and nine private and four semi-private postpartum rooms. It is also home to a new neonatal intensive care unit with the capacity to support up to 20 babies. The new unit will allow newborns, expectant mothers and their families to remain closer to home more often.