Welcome

The Division of Obstetrical Anesthesia is an essential part of the DAN Women & Babies Program. We provide women with 24/7 access to anesthesia services required for pain relief during labour and delivery, as well as operative deliveries (forceps, caesarean). This helps to ensure that the birthing process is as comfortable and safe as possible for both mother and baby.

Our obstetrical anesthesia team provides consultation services to obstetrical patients on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Approximately 75 per cent of patients request epidural labour analgesia. In addition, an in-house anesthesiologist is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide anesthetic services for obstetrical emergencies. Currently there are approximately 4,000 deliveries per year, of which 20 percent are high risk referrals.

Education

Our division offers an exciting learning environment for education and training in the specialty of obstetrical anesthesia. Rotations are available to senior residents in postgraduate years 4 and 5, which include first-hand experience with patients. Fellowships in obstetrical anesthesia are also offered. Click here to learn more about our education opportunities.

Research

The Obstetrical Anesthesia Research Unit (OARU) is affiliated with the Sunnybrook Research Institute. The Unit conducts clinical research and research in education in the field of obstetrical anesthesia. OARU is the first research unit in Canada specifically dedicated to researching and teaching evidence-based best clinical practices, as well as research methodologies and principles, in obstetrical anesthesia.