[updated 11/21/2022] COVID-19 UPDATE: Can both my doula and my partner be with me?

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, hospitals have changed their policies on how many companions can accompany a mother in Labor & Delivery. This article tracks policies at all Chicago-area hospitals and birth centers, so you can see which facilities are currently allowing a partner and a doula and which only allow one support person.

[2022] How to dramatically reduce your risk of having a cesarean section [gn]

The likelihood that you will end up with a Cesarean section is much more in your control than you might think. By choosing a Chicago-area hospital or other birth setting with a low primary C-section rate, you can cut your odds by more than half.

Your 2022 guide to waterbirth in the Chicago area

Find your best options for water immersion and waterbirth in the Chicago area.

[2022] Road Map to a VBAC in the Chicago Area

Find your best options for VBAC in the Chicago area.

[2022] COVID-19: If I test positive or have symptoms, will I be separated from my baby after birth? [wc]

When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you will be screened for COVID-19. If you test positive, or if you have symptoms that suggest you might be infected, then you and your clinical team will have to decide together: Is it better overall for you and your newborn to room together, or is it better for you to be in separate rooms? This article will help you prepare in case you need to make that decision.

Bottom line: The decision is up to you, and major leading health organizations are now aligned in supporting COVID-positive mothers who choose rooming in and breastfeeding their newborns.

[2022] COVID-19 UPDATE: Should I switch to an out-of-hospital birth? Do home birth providers and birth centers still have availability?

Are you (re)considering giving birth at home or in a birth center? Here's what you need to know about out-of-hospital birth options in the Chicago area.

Midwife or Doctor? Two Leading Practitioners Help You Choose

Advice on choosing your doctor or midwife from two leaders in Illinois maternity care, Maura Quinlan, MD and Gayle Riedmann, CNM.

Choosing a birth photographer to tell your story

Words of wisdom from BirthGuide's favorite birth photographers, Maggie Cuprisin (Maggie Cuprisin Photography) and Jill Velazquez (This Is Family Photography and Film).

[2022] COVID-19: If I test positive or have symptoms, will I be separated from my baby after birth? [gn]

When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you will be screened for COVID-19. If you test positive, or if you have symptoms that suggest you might be infected, then you and your clinical team will have to decide together: Is it better overall for you and your newborn to room together, or is it better for you to be in separate rooms? This article will help you prepare in case you need to make that decision.

Bottom line: The decision is up to you, and major leading health organizations are now aligned in supporting COVID-positive parents who choose rooming in and breast/chestfeeding their newborns.

[2022] How to dramatically reduce your risk of having a cesarean section [wc]

The likelihood that you will end up with a Cesarean section is much more in your control than you might think. By choosing a Chicago-area hospital with a low primary C-section rate, you can cut your odds nearly in half.