»ªÌå»á

• Preconception planning: Your OB-GYN physician can provide a preconception exam to:
  • Assess your health.
  • Find and manage risks that could complicate pregnancy.
  • Help you adopt a healthy lifestyle.
  • Add vitamins critical for a baby’s development.

  If you have certain risk factors for genetic disorders, you’ll have access to board-certified genetic counselors. They can help you learn about inherited disorders, identify your risks and guide you through a personalized plan for your pregnancy. Learn more about prenatal genetic testing.

• Comprehensive prenatal care: In addition to meeting your needs for prenatal care, we offer a host of resources including programs and classes to keep you healthy, informed and prepared for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. Maternal-fetal specialists are on-site in case any complications arise. They offer specialized care for you and your baby during pregnancy.
• A personalized childbirth plan: We want to create the best possible childbirth experience for you and your family. As your delivery get closer, consider your preferences for family participation, pain management and breastfeeding so your care team can help provide the experience that’s right for you.
• High-comfort, high-tech birthing suites: When it’s time for you to give birth, you’ll settle into a private labor-delivery-recovery suite equipped with advanced technology. Experienced clinicians will care for and support you during childbirth.
• Pain management options: During labor, you’ll have a variety of pain-relief options, including natural methods as well as medications. You’ll also have anesthesia (typically an epidural) as an option; it’s administered by anesthesiologists, who are available on-site 24/7.

After the Baby Arrives

After your baby arrives, we’re here to help make this time as personal and stress-free as possible. You can expect:

• Excellent nursing care: After your baby is born, you’ll move to a private suite. A nurse will care for you and your baby. They can answer any questions, teach you about newborns and their care, and connect you with resources.
• Rooming in with your baby: We encourage you to have your baby stay with you in your room. All of your baby’s care can be provided in your room, and you may participate in the care as much as you want.
• Breastfeeding and lactation support: Certified lactation consultants are here to provide education, resources and ongoing support to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience. Learn about our lactation services.
• Baby security: We take the safety of you and your family seriously. Entrances to all units are secured. All babies wear tamper-proof bracelets that help keep them safe. We use surveillance equipment to monitor all units of the hospital. In addition, we have a trained Security team.
• ^®: To capture those first moments with your baby, Lake Forest Hospital can arrange for professional photos of your newborn to be taken in the comfort of your hospital room. Talented photographers take and create beautiful baby pictures that you can cherish forever.

Level II+ Special Care Nursery

Our Level II+ Special Care Nursery is certified for extended capabilities to address the needs of babies who need more specialized attention in their first few days, including babies born prematurely and/or stable ventilated babies.

Spiritual Care

The Spiritual Care Department of Lake Forest Hospital provides blessings for babies and families, support for new parents and help for couples and families.

If you need it, we also provide grief counseling and support. Lake Forest Hospital has a nondenominational chapel that you can visit, and a member of the Spiritual Care Team can visit you in the privacy of your room.

Resources

Doing what’s best for you and your baby sometimes takes guidance from others who have experience. With a full range of classes and supportive programs, we help families prepare for childbirth and the changes that your baby will bring.

We encourage you to take as many classes as you’d like. Choose from programs such as:

• Understanding Birth
• Understanding Breastfeeding
• Understanding Your Newborn
• CPR: Infant and Child

Support Groups

You also can take advantage of the after your baby arrives.

after the birth of your baby. This no-cost class is for mothers of babies two weeks to one year old. For more information or to join this group, please call 877.926.4664.