The Family Birthing Center

Welcome

Our staff at Highland Park Hospital’s Family Birthing Center is committed to providing the best in family care and strive to provide individualized care for each family. We also seek to support each member of the family in preparing for the birth of your baby.

What makes the Family Birthing Center Special?

Our state-of-the-art birthing center was developed with your privacy and comfort in mind. Each of our private rooms was designed to achieve the labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum (LDRP), or single-room care experience. The rooms have a warm, home-like atmosphere and are also equipped with the latest technology for the birth of your baby.

Each room has a private bathroom and shower, telephone, television, rocking chair, reclining chair, hardwood floors and a pleasing décor. The Birthing Center also has two surgical suites for planned and emergency Cesarean-section deliveries.

We offer round-the-clock coverage by neonatologists (physicians who specialize in high-risk infant care), anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists who provide pain relief for the delivery of your baby. We are prepared for any situation that may arise.

How can I find a doctor for my baby?

Call Physician Referral at 847.570.5020.

What is pre-admitting and when should I do it?

Pre-admitting allows expectant parents the freedom to complete pre-admission forms prior to their due date. Completing these forms saves a lot of time and questions at the time that you are admitted for delivery of your baby. These packets are available at your obstetrician’s office and at the hospital’s front desk. Please complete and return these forms at least one month before your due date.

Where should we go when we arrive at the hospital in labor?

If you arrive between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., you must enter through the Emergency Room (all other entrances will be locked). From there you will be escorted to the Birthing Center.

Any other time of the day or evening, you may enter through the main hospital entrance. Stop at the front desk and you will be assisted to the Birthing Center.

Please be sure to consult with your physician in advance to determine their preference of whether to call him/her when you are in labor, or whether you should call the hospital. Please turn-off your cellular phones while in the hospital.

What happens at the time of birth?

Delivery will take place in your LDRP room unless a Cesarean birth is necessary. All the needed equipment for you and your baby will be brought to the room. Our LDRP rooms allow your baby to be born into a family centered environment with the most advanced technology.

Your obstetrician or midwife, nurse and husband or support person will be in the room helping and caring for you during the birth. Consult your provider if you wish to have anyone else present.

Can my baby stay in the room with me?

Yes and in fact we encourage you to keep your baby with you for bonding. If your baby is stable, he/she may stay with you after the delivery. All necessary care will be given to your baby at the bedside.

One nurse will be caring for both you and your baby. This is called “mother-baby nursing care,” and it allows the nurse to support you in learning how to care for yourself and your baby. While in the hospital, we encourage you to spend as much time as possible with your new infant. Rooming-in with your baby is one option that provides opportunities for you to learn about your infant and participate in his/her care. We want you to feel comfortable and confident when you take your baby home.

Breastfeeding?

Our Breastfeeding Resource Center offers almost everything new mothers need for a good start to a fulfilling breastfeeding experience. Certified lactation specialists are available for inpatient visits and outpatient consultations.

Breastfeeding classes and a telephone “WARM-LINE” (847.480.3702) are also available.

What is the visiting policy?

Though things may change as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, currently you may have one partner or visitor over the age of 18 with you during your time in the hospital, as long as they pass a screening process for symptoms of COVID.

At times, additional visitor restriction policies may apply to ensure the health and safety of our patients, their families and our staff.

When will we be discharged?

We encourage you to ask your insurance company about the typical length of stay after delivery. In general, a vaginal birth has a 2-day stay, while a Cesarean birth has a 3 to 4-day stay.

Please be sure to bring an approved car seat with you to the hospital. It is required by law and is absolutely necessary for your baby’s safety.

Don’t hesitate to call the Birthing Center at 847.480.3711 if questions or concerns arise once you are home.

What to Bring to the Hospital

Best wishes on your upcoming birth!