NorthShore University HealthSystem Highland Park Hospital (Highland Park) [Midwife-attended birth]

Our certified nurse midwives pride themselves on developing a partnership with you through a holistic approach to your health and open communication. By treating you as a partner in your health — whether that’s the birth of your child or routine women’s health care — nurse-midwives foster a supportive and empowering atmosphere.

Choosing a nurse-midwife appeals to women seeking a health provider who:

• Respects pregnancy and birth as a natural part of a woman’s life cycle
• Provides individualized care while encouraging family participation
• Allows time for discussion during office visits and throughout labor
• Encourages a woman to participate in decisions regarding her health and care
• Addresses changes in a woman’s physical and emotional needs during pregnancy, birth and early parenting
• Provides gentle and safe care based on current research and the art of midwifery
• Support the normal birth process, yet has access to medical technology if needed
• Encourages and supports a woman’s choice for vaginal birth after cesarean
• Offers many options for labor relief, in alternative birthing concept rooms with large tubs for hydrotherapy, labor and peanut balls to facilitate movement and ideal positioning of the baby in addition to massage, counter pressure, spinning babies techniques and emotional support
• Embraces a holistic approach which recognizes the contributions of alternative and complementary therapies such as massage, nutritionists, chiropractors, childbirth educators, doulas, acupressure/acupuncture, lactation specialists and others.

Our practice model is highly collaborative, where OBs and midwives work on the same team. This model allows the midwives to care for women who might typically risk out of midwifery care, working with the physicians in the practice.

All 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.”

LDR Unit: “The unit features state-of-the-art equipment, private rooms with spa amenities and a dedicated entrance and atrium lobby. 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, hardwood floors and a pleasing décor. The Birthing Center also has two surgical suites for planned and emergency Cesarean-section deliveries.”

High risk care: “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.”

Baby rooming-in: “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.”

Mother-baby nursing care: “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.”

Breastfeeding support: “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.” All of the midwives are Certified Lactation Consultants and can provide expert breastfeeding support and advice.

Maternity Fetal Medicine specialists: “Highland Park Hospital is the location for one of NorthShore’s Centers for Maternal and Fetal Health. The Center offers a full spectrum of consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for women and their fetuses during pregnancy. An integrated, comprehensive care team provides a unique approach to the pregnant woman and her fetus though state of the art ultrasound technology and specialized nurses, physicians and support staff. Biweekly care conferences bring together the members of the Centers for Maternal and Fetal Health to discuss and review patient progress. This multidisciplinary approach greatly enhances quality of care and individualized management.”

Neonatalogists 24/7: “Highland Park Hospital was the first in Lake County to provide high-risk infant care around the clock from a team of board-certified neonatologists (physicians specializing in the care and development of newborn babies who are ill), using advanced technology.”

VBAC is not recommended if you have a vertical uterine scar from your previous c-section.

Babies under 32 weeks of gestation and with a need for a higher level of care are transferred to Evanston Hospital Infant Special Care Unit.  Mothers can be transferred to to Evanston Hospital 2 Womens or 3 Womens hospital to be close to their baby.

You can join a maternity nurse for a walking tour of labor/delivery, postpartum and the nursery. The tour is free, but advance registration is required.

Upcoming tours are listed with childbirth classes. Learn more here.

Classes for expectant families cover childbirth preparation, infant safety and CPR, along with  breast feeding support groups. Learn more here.