Palos Community Hospital (Palos Heights)

“When you’re expecting a baby, you have many decisions to make. One of the most important is where to deliver your child. At Palos Hospital, we can help you start — or add to — your family in a safe, comfortable and caring environment. We consider it a privilege to be a part of your baby’s birth day.

Our philosophy of care is family-centered. From the moment of birth, we give parents the opportunity to bond with their infant and to form a close family connection. At Palos, we celebrate the Golden Hour starting from birth with skin-to-skin contact for the first hour of the newborn’s life. This allows new parents get to know and bond with their baby. Other family members are welcome to visit following the Golden Hour after mom and baby have had time to rest from the big event.”

“At Palos, you will experience single-room maternity care,” where “your labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum stay will all take place in the same single private room,” as well as “a compassionate and experienced care team, state-of-the-art technology, one-to-one nursing care during labor and much more.”

Breastfeeding support: “Recognizing the significant health benefits that breastfeeding provides to mothers and babies, Palos Health supports and advocates for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.”

“Breastfeeding is a learned skill. Information, assistance and support can help make the breastfeeding experience successful and rewarding. A registered nurse, who also is an International Board Certified lactation counselor or lactation consultant, staffs the Lactation Center at our hospital in Palos Heights, IL.”

“The lactation counselor or lactation consultant focuses on the needs of the nursing couple and is committed to promoting positive breastfeeding experiences. She provides professional, individualized personal education and support as well as ongoing assistance for establishing and maintaining a successful nursing relationship.”

“Prior to your delivery, take advantage of our Breastfeeding Basics class and learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as infant positioning techniques, strategies for pumping and more.”

“After you give birth to your little one,the lactation consultant or counselor will see you during your stay to offer instruction, assistance and guidance as you begin breastfeeding.The consultant or counselor will answer all of your questions as you prepare to take your baby home.”

“After you and baby go home, Palos Health’s Nursing Mom’s Network offers continued support for those learning to breastfeed. In a nurturing environment, breastfeeding mothers share their experiences and receive ongoing guidance and support from an experienced Maternal Child Health Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant or Counselor. Babies (newborn to one year old) are welcome.”

Photography: “Palos features Baby’s First Photo upon request. A professional photographer from Bella Baby will photograph your newborn, and you will have the option to order prints.”

Free tours of the birthing center are available. Call (708) 226-2300 to register.

Palos Health offers a range of family and maternity care education, including childbirth preparation, baby care, breastfeeding and classes for siblings and grandparents. You can see a schedule of classes here. The hospital also offers a library of educational resources that you can access here.