We recognize that the provision of healthcare for women during pregnancy should be personalized to the individual needs of each patient. Based on this concept, we have enhanced our model of care at HMC to go far beyond a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Instead, we aim to tailor our services to patients as an individual because their health and wellbeing and that of the baby are our number one priority.
From the moment of the first antenatal appointment and throughout the pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal journey, WWRC will guide, support and care for all patients to make informed decisions about their health and that of their baby.
Elective Caesarean Section Birth
If the health of the patient or their baby is at risk, the medical team may recommend an elective caesarean section. In this case, the patient will be given an allocated time and admitted to the antenatal wards before being taken to the operating theatre for the procedure.
It is important for the patient to know that a vaginal birth is still possible in a future pregnancy if they have had only one previous caesarean section. Any questions about this can be discussed with the doctor.
The clinical team at WWRC understands that a surgical delivery may cause the patient to feel anxious or concerned. The patient can be reassured that they are in safe hands, and the team delivering the baby is highly trained and experienced in performing caesarean sections.
Before the surgery is scheduled, the patient will have an appointment with a doctor in the Outpatient Department at WWRC. During this visit, the doctor will address any questions and explain what to expect on the day of delivery.
The doctor will also review the patient's medical history and carry out any necessary tests. Recognizing that the patient may be feeling apprehensive, the team will ensure that there is enough time to discuss all aspects of the procedure, including preparation, the day of surgery, the delivery itself, and recovery.
As part of the pre-operative process, the patient will also meet with an anesthetist. During this consultation, the anesthetist will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used. Spinal anesthesia is the usual choice for caesarean deliveries, but in some situations, epidural or general anesthesia may be recommended. The decision will depend on the reason for the surgery, the health of the patient and baby, the patient’s preferences, and the assessments made by the anesthesiologist and obstetrician.
It is essential for the patient to inform the anesthesiologist of any medical conditions, allergies, or previous complications with anesthesia, to ensure the safest and most appropriate anesthesia is provided.
In the Operating Theatre
Once in the operating theatre, the nursing team will:
- Apply monitors to observe the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels
- Assist the anesthetist and obstetrician
- Monitor the baby’s heartbeat
- Lightly trim some pubic hair if necessary
After the baby is born, the midwife or nurse will warm and dry the baby. A pediatrician will complete an initial check-up to ensure the baby is warm and breathing well. If both the patient and baby are medically stable, the baby will be wrapped in blankets and remain with the patient in the operating theatre.
Recovering After Surgery
Following the surgery, the patient will be moved to the post-anesthesia recovery room, where they will be monitored for two hours to ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
If the baby requires immediate medical attention, the nurse and pediatrician will take the baby to the resuscitation room for appropriate care. If further observation is needed, the baby may stay in the resuscitation room for a longer period. Otherwise, the baby will remain with the patient, resting in a cot by the bedside.
Once stable, a nurse or midwife will bring the baby to the patient to begin skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
If specialized care is needed, the baby will be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Immediately after birth, the baby is typically placed on the patient’s abdomen for skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding. This practice helps regulate the baby’s temperature, stabilizes heart rate and breathing, reduces stress and crying, and supports emotional bonding. Skin-to-skin contact also helps stimulate the baby’s natural reflexes, guiding them to the breast to begin breastfeeding within the first hour.
Once considered fit, the patient will be transferred to the Postnatal Ward with the baby. There, a dedicated nurse or midwife will support the patient's recovery and assist with breastfeeding as needed. If any challenges arise, a highly qualified lactation consultant will provide skilled hands-on support and education to manage any further difficulties.
The typical hospital stay after a caesarean section is between 2 to 3 days.
After the Birth of the Baby
The experienced midwives and nurses understand that having a baby—especially for the first time—can be a time of uncertainty and concern for the patient. They are available to offer extra support and to answer any questions the patient may have about caring for and bonding with their newborn.
Mother and Baby Bonding - It is important for the patient to begin bonding with the baby as soon as possible after birth, including in cases where delivery was by caesarean section.
Following the initial recovery period in the birthing room, the nurse or midwife will accompany the patient and their baby to a private inpatient room with an en-suite bathroom. The patient will remain in this private room for the duration of their hospital stay.
Each private room features large windows—some with views of the Corniche—and has been thoughtfully designed to support the patient’s comfort and recovery. The relaxing environment is intended to help the patient feel at ease and to promote bonding with the newborn.
The clinical team will make every effort to minimize any separation between the patient and the baby by providing assistance directly in the patient’s room. If the patient has chosen for their baby boy to be circumcised, this will be arranged with minimal disruption to time spent together.
Recognizing that the patient may feel tired, overwhelmed, or in need of extra support following childbirth, a dedicated nurse or midwife will be assigned to assist both the patient and their baby. This one-on-one care ensures the patient receives guidance in caring for the newborn and encouragement in initiating skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding as early as possible.
The first hour after birth is known as the "golden hour"—a crucial time when the baby is alert and most ready to breastfeed. The baby will remain with the patient in the same room, making it easier to respond to hunger cues such as hand-to-mouth movements, lip-smacking, or fussing. By responding to these cues, the patient will begin to understand and meet their baby’s needs.
Once ready, the patient and baby will be transferred to the postnatal unit. The patient should be reassured that their body produces colostrum—the nutrient-rich early milk—during pregnancy, and even if the breasts feel soft, the baby is still receiving nourishment.
Postnatal Ward - In the postnatal ward, the nurses and midwives will continue to support the patient with breastfeeding. Most babies show signs they are ready to feed within the first hour after birth. These signs include moving hands to the mouth, sucking, or lip movements.
Colostrum is a thick, sticky yellow liquid rich in proteins, antibodies, vitamin A, and energy. It plays a vital role in protecting the newborn from infections and supporting healthy growth and development. Its small volume is perfectly suited to the newborn’s tiny stomach, so the patient should not worry about low milk volume in the early days.
The nurse or midwife will also provide the patient with essential information on parenthood, breastfeeding, neonatal screening, and reminders of topics covered during antenatal classes.
If the patient has a baby boy and chooses circumcision, written consent for neonatal circumcision will be requested. The nurse or midwife will explain the procedure in detail.
Before discharge, the baby will receive the required vaccinations and be examined by a pediatrician.
If the baby requires specialized medical care, they will be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Discharge - Each patient’s labor and birth experience is unique, but in general:
- If the baby was born vaginally and both mother and baby are well, discharge can be expected within 1 to 2 days.
- If the delivery was via caesarean section, the patient may go home within 2 to 3 days after surgery.
When the patient and baby are medically fit for discharge, the team will provide additional information about registering the baby’s birth and attending postnatal follow-up clinics, including the Lactation and Baby Clinic at the Outpatient Department.
Any necessary follow-up appointments and a medical certificate will be provided.
The nurse or midwife will also advise the patient on when to seek emergency care—for example, if experiencing shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, or concerns about the baby’s health.
Advice about further postnatal care at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) will also be given.
Antenatal Care
The patient’s experience of having a baby is a journey that begins well before delivery and continues afterward. It involves taking an active role in personal health, understanding the changes occurring during pregnancy, and engaging in shared decision-making with the clinical team. If the patient has questions or concerns at any point, the nurse, midwife, or doctor is available to provide timely and accurate information and support.
By increasing knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, the patient can reduce anxiety, dispel misconceptions, and become empowered to take an active role in decisions that contribute to a more positive birth experience.
Appointments - HMC works in collaboration with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to provide high-quality antenatal care throughout pregnancy. The patient’s PHCC doctor will determine whether the pregnancy is low-risk or high-risk and will refer the patient to an appropriate HMC maternity facility. Once the referral is confirmed, the patient will receive a call from the Nesma’ak team. If referred from a private hospital, the patient must bring a referral form directly to the Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) Outpatient Department to schedule an appointment.
At the first antenatal visit, the patient will meet with a nurse or midwife and doctor in the Outpatient Department to discuss their pregnancy. The team will take a detailed medical, personal, and family history, including information about any previous pregnancies. The doctor will explain routine screening procedures and schedule relevant examinations for the duration of the pregnancy.
During the visit, the patient’s vital signs will be checked, and blood and urine samples will be taken. The clinical team will perform an abdominal examination to assess fetal growth and position, check the baby’s heartbeat, and provide the patient with personalized advice regarding diet, physical activity, and general health.
Appointment Locations - If the patient is having a low-risk pregnancy and is scheduled to deliver at WWRC, the Nesma’ak team will provide appointment details by phone.
Patients identified as high-risk will be scheduled for antenatal care at WWRC. To allow sufficient time for consultation, longer appointment slots have been arranged. Patients are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure they are seen at their scheduled time. Please note that cash payments are not accepted; patients must bring a valid credit card, debit card, or e-cash (QNB) card.
Antenatal Classes - WWRC offers antenatal classes in the Outpatient Department to all patients. These sessions are led by experienced nurses, midwives, and physicians specializing in pregnancy and childbirth. Information about these classes is provided during the first antenatal visit.
The classes are designed to equip the patient with essential knowledge for a healthy pregnancy, address common questions, and provide a tour of the maternity facility. They also serve as an opportunity for patients to connect with others undergoing similar experiences, fostering an informal support network.
Sessions cover techniques to support relaxation and physical preparation for labor and childbirth. The patient will also receive guidance on preparing a birth plan to ensure preferences are known during labor and delivery. Topics related to the postnatal period—including newborn examinations, bathing, diapering, and breastfeeding—are also discussed, especially for first-time mothers.
Antenatal classes are offered at all HMC maternity facilities. Patients can be referred by a doctor or request an appointment through their PHCC or HMC obstetrician.
Pregnancy and Diabetes - In response to the rising number of women diagnosed with diabetes, WWRC’s Outpatient Department offers a dedicated diabetes service for patients diagnosed with diabetes before or during pregnancy.
This service provides tailored diabetes management through a multidisciplinary approach. Patients receive nutritional counseling, education on preventing complications, and guidance on managing diabetes throughout pregnancy.
The care team—comprising diabetic educators, dietitians, and clinicians with expertise in pre-existing or gestational diabetes—provides comprehensive, personalized support. The clinic offers one-stop care to help patients manage diet, weight, blood pressure, medications, and blood glucose levels, as well as improve physical activity and self-monitoring.
WWRC is committed to supporting patients with diabetes to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Fetomaternal Medicine Unit (FMU) - While many pregnancies proceed without complications, some require additional care from the specialized FMU. Patients may be referred due to obstetric, surgical, genetic, or medical complications. The FMU accepts referrals from across Qatar and conducts multidisciplinary consultations as well as invasive testing, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
After reviewing the medical record, an FMU team member will schedule an appointment. Depending on clinical needs, patients may continue follow-up care at FMU until delivery or be referred to the Radiology Department for further monitoring.
Patients referred to FMU will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team that may include fetomaternal medicine consultants, trained nurses, geneticists, and pediatric cardiologists. This team collaborates closely with general obstetric physicians to ensure continuity of care and effective management of complex conditions.
The FMU provides a comfortable environment with private examination rooms and access to high-quality imaging and ultrasound technology. The unit supports patients facing conditions such as cardiac disease, autoimmune disorders, renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, seizure disorders, advanced maternal age, or multiple pregnancies. Specialized scans—such as first-trimester and chromosomal abnormality screenings—are provided as needed.
All medical data from the FMU is entered into a centralized patient record system, ensuring continuity of care across departments.
If a prenatal issue is identified, the FMU team works with neonatologists and pediatric subspecialists to reach a diagnosis, plan the delivery, and coordinate appropriate interventions for a smooth transition of care after birth.
The FMU is located in the WWRC Outpatient Department and operates from Sunday to Thursday, 7.00am to 3.00pm
Postnatal Support
Lactation Clinic - At WWRC, we are committed to giving your baby the best start in life by promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding. We proudly follow the World Health Organization’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
To support new mothers, especially those who may face challenges with breastfeeding or simply need reassurance, we offer a dedicated Lactation Clinic.
Our clinic provides holistic breastfeeding care both during pregnancy and after birth:
- During pregnancy, we offer guidance on:
- The importance of skin-to-skin contact
- How to recognize your baby’s feeding cues
- The weaning process
- Hand expression and manual milk expression techniques
- Comfortable breastfeeding positions for you and your baby
- During breastfeeding, we provide personalized support for common concerns such as:
- Low milk supply
- Difficulty latching or sucking
- Slow weight gain
- Physical or genetic conditions that may affect breastfeeding
Our experienced lactation specialists are here to support you with expert, compassionate care. Whether you have questions, previous breastfeeding difficulties, or just need advice, we encourage you to visit the clinic. Early support can prevent problems and help you feel confident in feeding your baby.
Clinic opening hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday:00am – 12.00pm
- Monday and Wednesday:00am – 3.00pm
- Location: Outpatient Department
- Appointments:
- Required for pregnant women
- Walk-in for breastfeeding mothers
Newborn Screening - Most newborns appear healthy at birth, but some medical conditions are not immediately visible. That’s why we participate in the National Newborn Screening Program to ensure your baby’s health and safety.
- When? Between 36 and 72 hours after birth, a small blood sample is taken from your baby’s heel.
- What is screened? Over 70 rare but serious conditions, including vision, hearing, metabolic, and endocrine disorders.
- If a concern is found: You will be contacted immediately by a Newborn Screening Coordinator.
- Next steps: Our expert care team will guide you through any required treatment or follow-up care to support your baby’s wellbeing.
Early screening helps detect and treat conditions before symptoms appear, giving your baby the best possible start in life.
Labor and Delivery
Signs You May Be in Labor - If you're experiencing any of the signs below, please come to the Emergency Department at WWRC (or your booked hospital) immediately:
- Regular contractions: These feel like your abdomen tightening and then relaxing. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions (which can happen throughout pregnancy), true labor contractions come at regular intervals, last longer than 30 seconds, and become stronger and more frequent over time.
- Backache: A heavy or cramp-like pain in your lower back, similar to period pain.
- A ‘show’: A small amount of sticky pink mucus, sometimes mixed with blood, may come from your vagina. This is a sign your body is preparing for labor. However, if you are bleeding more than a small amount, go to the Emergency Department immediately.
- Water breaking: You may feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of water from your vagina. This is the amniotic sac breaking. If your water breaks, come in for assessment right away.
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting: These symptoms can sometimes occur in early labor.
When You Arrive - Ask someone to drop you off at the Emergency Department entrance before they park the car.
You’ll be seen by a nurse or midwife who will assess if you are in active labor.
- If you are, you’ll be admitted to the Labor and Delivery Unit.
- If not, you may be kept for observation or sent home with instructions.
You can choose a female support person to stay with you during labor for emotional and physical support. Only one support person is allowed in the Labor and Delivery room.
Admission for Delivery - Once admitted, a nurse or midwife will welcome you and make you comfortable. Depending on the situation:
- If you're in labor, you’ll be cared for in the Labor and Delivery Unit.
- If you're not yet in labor, you may be observed and monitored.
- If your water has broken and you are not yet in labor:
- You may receive antibiotics after 18 hours if your baby is preterm.
- If your pregnancy is full-term, labor may be induced.
- If your blood pressure is high, both you and your baby will be closely monitored.
Induction of Labor - Labor may be induced if:
- Your pregnancy has gone past 40 weeks.
- There are concerns for your or your baby’s health.
You’ll be admitted to a special induction ward, where your care team will support you throughout the process.
Inside the Labor and Delivery Unit - You will be cared for by a dedicated nurse or midwife. They will:
- Monitor your labor and your baby's condition.
- Support your birth plan where clinically safe.
- Help you use comfort tools like birthing balls and guide you through breathing and relaxation techniques.
If you have a normal pregnancy, your midwife may lead your care and deliver your baby. A doctor will also be involved to ensure everything is progressing well.
If complications arise or a vaginal delivery is not possible, you may need a caesarean section (C-section). Your doctor will explain everything clearly, and your consent will be required.
Coping with Pain - There are many ways to manage labor pain. Be flexible — your needs may change as labor progresses.
Natural options include:
- Warm baths or showers (especially in early labor).
- Birthing balls.
- Breathing and relaxation exercises.
Medical pain relief options include:
- Entonox (gas and air)
- Morphine
- Epidural
Your midwife will explain these options and help you choose what's right for you.
Your Support Person - We welcome one female support person to be with you in the delivery room. Continuous support has been shown to make labor easier and reduce the need for pain relief. Choose your support person carefully and inform the team in advance.
Note: Family members are not allowed to take photos inside the Labor and Delivery Suite. Other family and friends may wait in designated areas or visit after delivery.
After Delivery
- After birth, your baby will be placed on your abdomen, then returned to your chest for skin-to-skin contact for one hour.
- You will be encouraged to start breastfeeding within 30 minutes after birth.
- Once you and your baby are stable, your spouse may visit inside the Labor and Delivery Unit (ID required).
- If your baby needs extra medical care, a pediatrician will assess them, and the care team will keep you informed.
If all is well, you and your baby will be moved to a private postnatal room approximately two hours after delivery.
If you are found to have low immunity to Hepatitis B, you will be offered a vaccine before transfer.
