Endeavor Elmhurst Hospital (Elmhurst) [Doctor-Attended Birth]

“We recognize that no two families, and no two births, are alike. You may be a single mother. You may be a surrogate mother. You may have a spouse or a partner. Every family is looking for something different.”

“The Family Birthing Centers at Edward-Elmhurst Health provide expert care from the minute you decide to have a baby until well after your child is born. But we don’t stop there. In this beautiful place where babies enter the world, you’ll find something beyond clinical expertise. Here, you’ll find respect for individual choice.”

“What makes us different: Many expectant parents have trusted us with their care, and it shows. Edward-Elmhurst Health welcomes over 5,500 babies into the world annually.

At Elmhurst Hospital, “we respect you and honor your birthing choices. Our individualized approach allows you to guide your birthing plan your way. From innovative, specialized labor and delivery services, including midwifery [], to private birthing suites, deluxe family amenities and highly-equipped nurseries, our Family Birthing Centers combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized, expert medical care — all wrapped in the comforts of home.”

“Edward-Elmhurst provides a full range of pregnancy and baby services, including:

• Innovative, specialized treatment: You’ll have access to ultra-innovative technology, enhanced birthing methods and specialized care for high-risk births and multiples.
• Medical expertise: You’ll have your own dedicated birthing team, including board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists, specially trained nurses and nationally-certified midwives, who are advanced practice nurses.
• Comfortable private rooms: You’ll have your own private, deluxe, fully-equipped birthing suite and mother/baby room so you and your family feel at home.
• Fully-equipped nurseries: Your baby will have access to extended capabilities in the Level IIe Special Care Nursery at Elmhurst Hospital.
• Helpful resources: You’ll have access to a variety of classes to help prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and caring for your newborn. We also know the transition to parenthood can trigger a wide range of emotions and we’re here to help with our Mommy Baby Hour and Nurturing Moms programs.”

“We know you want the best for you and your baby. Count on Edward-Elmhurst to provide an experience that’s second to none. We’re committed to providing you with a safe, optimal birthing experience geared toward your individual needs and preferences. Because that’s what every new mom deserves.”

More about Elmhurst Hospital:

“Private birthing suites: When you have your baby with us, you get your own private birthing suite. It’s as close as you get to the comforts of home, combined with expert medical care and technology, for a first-class experience. Your luxurious, modern suite comes with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV, and a couch that converts into a bed for your partner’s comfort.

Each room has a birthing (exercise) ball and a comfortable chair for you to use during labor if you desire. For those seeking additional comfort and enhanced relief during labor, some suites come equipped with whirlpool/bath tubs with Jacuzzi jets while others have walk-in showers with hand-held wands.

While you’re here, smart pumps deliver, monitor and balance your medications for safe administration. Also, ID badges track when your doctors and nurses enter and leave your room to ensure you receive the assistance and attention you need.”

Comfort measures: “During labor, we’ll help you achieve the comfort level you desire. Some women give birth with mild pain or discomfort, controlled by comfort measures, relaxation and breathing techniques. Others prefer medication to control pain. Elmhurst Hospital is also the first in DuPage County to offer nitrous oxide as a pain relief option for women in labor, and it has been adopted by both the hospital’s OB-GYNs and the Elmhurst Clinic midwives. Unlike systemic drugs that can cause unwanted effects, nitrous oxide (a tasteless, odorless gas inhaled through a mask) is considered safe to use during labor and can be beneficial for both pain relief and anxiety relief. It also has a quick onset and quickly exits both the mother’s and baby’s system.”

“One on one nursing care:  A nurse will be assigned to you one-on-one during active labor. We truly listen to you and let you guide your birthing plan.”

“The Golden Hour: After delivery, you and your baby will stay in your private birthing suite for approximately two hours to recover. This is a great time for you and your partner to get to know your newborn. It’s also an important time for mom and baby bonding. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has scientifically proven benefits: baby’s temperature, heart rate and blood sugar stabilize faster. And both mom and baby’s stress hormones are reduced by skin-to-skin contact. This is a good time for you to start breastfeeding, if desired. For these reasons, we generally discourage visitors during the first hour after birth.”

“Memento: At Elmhurst Hospital, new moms receive a large water mug.”

“Baby portraits: We work with experienced photographers to capture your baby’s first photograph with a natural, artistic style. Your professional mini photo shoot can take place right in the comfort of your private room and can also include other family members.”