Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital (Chicago) [Doctor-Attended Birth]

Name: Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital (Chicago) [Doctor-Attended Birth]
Address: 250 E Superior St, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Telephone: 312.926.8400

Address:

250 E Superior St

Chicago, IL 60611

312.926.8400

MATERNITY SERVICE WEBSITE

Visit provider’s website/maternity service main page

DELIVERY OPTIONS

Water birth

Breech trial of labor

VBAC trial of labor

VBA2+C trial of labor

Vacuum or forceps delivery on site

C-section available on site

C-section team on site 24/7

In-unit C-sections

Family-centered/gentle c-section

Family-centered c-section: clear drape available

Family-centered c-section: delayed cord clamping

Family-centered c-section: unhurried delivery from incision

Family-centered c-section: dedicated 1-to-1 nursing support

Total birthing pools available: 2

See comments

Water birth: Several of the labor-delivery-recovery suites have tubs for water birth, which are available to qualifying mothers on request. There are 2 tubs which can be accommodated in any of four rooms. Tubs are available on a first-come first-served basis.

C-section: Northwestern Medicine specialists are fully prepared to care for multiple births (such as twins, triplets or quads) and emergency cesarean deliveries. A neonatologist is present during a cesarean delivery.

LABOR OPTIONS

In uncomplicated labor...

Moving throughout labor (e.g. wireless telemetry)

Intermittent electronic fetal monitoring

Intermittent auscultation

IV not required

IV not routine

Eating throughout labor - clear tray only

Eating throughout labor - unrestricted

Drinking throughout labor

Showering during labor

Laboring in a tub

Aromatherapy

Total labor pools available: 2

See comments

Walking in labor: The triage unit includes a walking path that makes a loop around the triage area.

Laboring in a tub: Two large tubs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aromatherapy: Although diffusers are not allowed, you can bring essential oils.

BIRTHING EQUIPMENT

Bean bag pillow

Birthing stool

Birth Balls

Peanut ball

Reclining chair

Rocking chair

Support rope, sling or bar

PAIN RELIEF

Epidural

Patient controlled epidural

Dedicated L&D anesthesiology team

Narcotics

Nitrous-oxide

TENS unit

See comments

Pain management approaches can include:

Breathing exercises
Use of a birthing ball
Walking
Ice packs
Showers
Hydrotherapy in large tubs that are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Applying hot packs to abdomen or back
Taking a warm shower
Sitting on a birthing ball

If you choose pain medication, your provider can also order:

Narcotics, such as Dilaudid, which is administered as an injection or through an IV
Epidural anesthesia.

SUPPORT

Bed available for support person

Siblings allowed in labor

Partner/support person policies

allowed in triage

allowed in labor room

allowed in OR for C-section

allowed in postpartum

allowed in NICU

Doula policies

allowed in triage

allowed in labor room

allowed in OR for C-section

allowed in postpartum

allowed in NICU

Number of support people allowed:

4

See comments

Labor and delivery unit visitor policies

Your partner is welcome in the labor and delivery and postpartum units 24 hours a day, and all rooms offer a pull-out bed or other accommodations for overnight stays
Other visitors, including brothers or sisters of any age, are welcome 9:00 am–8:30 pm
Children under age 12, except baby’s siblings, are not allowed.

NEWBORN & POSTPARTUM CARE

After routine delivery...

Suctioning only if needed

Delayed cord clamping (at least 1 minute)

Delayed cord clamping (at least 3 minutes)

Delayed baby bath

Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact until first feed

Baby rooming-in

Non-emergent nursery care available

All routine newborn exams at mother's bedside

Early discharge - 24 hours or less

Home postpartum visit

BREASTFEEDING

Baby-friendly designation

Lactation consultants (IBCLC) available for consultation on site

24/7 lactation support on site

No formula given to breastfeeding babies in first 48 hours

Donor milk available

See comments

Postpartum nurses will serve as your first resource for breastfeeding. Many have earned special certification as lactation counselors and can guide a mother in the basics of positioning her baby and coaching the newborn to latch onto the breast. Mothers who need additional assistance can request help from certified lactation consultants.

Policies supporting breastfeeding include:

Skin-to-skin contact right after birth and as much as possible during your hospital stay;
Use of pacifiers only during certain medical procedures;
Breastfeeding information sessions:
Encouraging you to sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
Supporting you in scheduling visitors to avoid interfering with frequent breastfeeding and one-on-one time with your nurse.

High Risk & Emergency Options

Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists

24/7 Neonatalogist or Pediatric Hospitalist on site

Perinatal Level IIE

Perinatal Level III

Obstetrical Emergency Department

See comments

Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists: If complications should arise at any time during your pregnancy, specialists in maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) offer treatment for high-risk moms and their babies.

Highest level NICU: The level III care unit is equipped to care for premature and seriously ill newborns.

Neonatologists on site 24/7: The NICU is staffed 24 hours a day by neonatologists and specially trained nurses.

NICU OPTIONS

Bed provided for parent

Kangaroo care supported

ROOM OPTIONS

One room for labor, birth, recovery & postpartum (LDRP)

One room for labor, birth & recovery (LDR)

Private post-partum rooms

In-room shower

In-room labor tub

See comments

There are two labor tubs which can be used in 4 of the 32 labor rooms for qualifying mothers. Available on a first-come, first- served basis.

ROOM AMENITIES

Dimmable lighting

CD player

DVD player

Music speakers (phone or IPod)

Television

WIFI

Free WIFI

Refrigerator

Microwave

INSURANCE

Accepts Medicaid: Yes

See Insurance comments for details

Languages - In-Person Interpretation

Arabic

Chinese

French

German

Italian

Korean

Polish

Russian

Spanish

Tagalog

Urdu

Vietnamese

Other

See comments

Free and confidential language services are available to those whose preferred language for healthcare communications is not English, to ensure effective communication regarding patient care.

Also at this hospital:

Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital (Chicago) [Midwife-Attended Birth]

Very large (more than 4000 births per year)

Perinatal

Level III

Outcomes

Overall C-Section Rate (Risk Adjusted) – 23.0%

As compared to Chicago-area hospitals, this rate is:

Low

Medium low

Medium high

High

Primary C-Section Rate (Risk Adjusted) – 14.1%

As compared to Chicago-area hospitals, this rate is:

Low

Medium low

Medium high

High

VBAC Rate (Risk adjusted ) – 21.3%

As compared to Chicago-area hospitals, this rate is:

High

Medium high

Medium low

Low

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate – 60.6%

As compared to Chicago-area hospitals, this rate is:

High

Medium high

Medium low

Low

Number of VBAC deliveries per year - 296
Epidural Rate - 296
Overall Induction Rate -
Early Elective Deliveries -
Episiotomy Rate -

MATERNITY CARE OVERVIEW

[from the provider’s website]

“The birth of a child is not only a special time in a woman’s life, it’s also a major medical event. Northwestern Medicine Maternity Services are designed to surround you with comfort—as well as take care of all your medical needs and those of your baby.

From the moment you arrive, you and your family will be surrounded by the support of distinguished physicians, highly trained nurses and other care providers who are committed to your baby’s well-being and your family’s finest birthing experience. Northwestern Medicine strives to provide the highest quality medical care to meet the unique needs of women during and after their pregnancy.

High-comfort, high-tech birthing suites: When it’s time for your baby’s arrival, you’ll settle in to a private, home-like labor-delivery-recovery suite equipped with the latest technology. Rooms are large enough to accommodate mother,
significant other, infant, staff, and additional visitors comfortably. The size allows for quick conversion into a procedure room to support normal and high-risk deliveries. Several of the rooms are equipped to accommodate water birth hydrotherapy during labor upon request.

Skilled care for special deliveries: Northwestern Medicine specialists are fully prepared to care for multiple births (such as twins, triplets or quads) and emergency cesarean deliveries. Experienced labor and delivery nurses offer the care and support you need through every stage of childbirth, and maternal–fetal specialists are standing by to handle any complications. For your safety and that of your baby, a neonatologist is present during a cesarean delivery. An obstetrician and anesthesiologist are available 24/7 to meet your needs.

After baby arrives: Prentice Women’s Hospital provides a variety of amenities for you and baby, including:

Private rooms designed to allow you to recover after birth and to get acquainted with your newborn.
Postpartum nurses provide care for you and your baby and teach new mothers basic baby care, such as breastfeeding, diapering, bathing and care of the umbilical cord and circumcision.
Professional photos are available to capture precious first moments. Bella Baby photographers will photograph your baby and post photos to an online slideshow.

Renée Schine Crown Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The Renée Schine Crown Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a secured level III care unit that provides state-of-the-art care for premature and seriously ill newborns. Our services and equipment are designed for the smallest patients. The NICU is staffed 24 hours a day by specially trained nurses and neonatologists, and patients have access to the full range of pediatric sub-specialists.

Parents and families are crucial to an infant’s recovery and development, so we encourage and facilitate the strong presence and involvement of parents and family in the care we provide.

Visit provider’s website to learn more.

INSURANCE

Click here to see Insurance Accepted.

Northwestern Medicine accepts a variety of insurance plans. You can see a list of accepted insurance plans using the link above.

MATERNITY SERVICE TOURS

Tours of the labor and delivery and postpartum floors are offered several times a week. Registration is required. You can see a schedule of upcoming tours here. Call 312.926.8400 to register.

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES

The hospital offers a range of classes for expectant parents, including classes on c-section, comfort measures in labor, childbirth preparation, infant care, breastfeeding and special classes for grandparents, siblings and parents of multiples. Call Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00 pm to speak with a childbirth educator: (312) 472-3867. You can also see a list of current class offerings here.

EXTERNAL REVIEWS

IDPH Hospital Report Card

LeapFrog

Leapfrog Review

Last Updated:

March, 22 2026

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.