Obstetrics


There is nothing quite like the sound of a newborn baby's first cry as he or she enters the world. In the Obstetrics Department at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, we hear it nearly every day... yet we never tire of it. We believe that each birth is special, and we show it in the way we care for new moms and babies.

Our experienced nursing staff is specially trained in obstetrical care. They provide emotional support and comfort measures that will help mom and her labor coach and closely monitors the health of mother and baby as they go through the birthing process. Our luxurious Birthing Suite has all the comforts of home - yet is equipped with leading edge technology that enables your physician to closely monitor the health of mother and baby as they go through the birthing process.

Our Certified Lactation Consultant is available for new moms who need help breastfeeding. Our technology is state-of-the-art... from the fetal monitors that assess a baby's vitals during labor to the infant warmers that help make baby feel comfortable and cozy while they are measured or tested.

Classes
Pre-natal education is offered by Iroquois Memorial.

Understanding Birth

Understanding Birth is a prepared childbirth education class held the 1st two Monday nights every other month from 6:30-9:00 pm at no charge for parents delivering at IMH. Interested parents delivering elsewhere are welcome to attend at a fee of $35.00.

Led by a Registered Nurse from the Obstetric Department, this video based program provides a powerful teaching tool that features 3D animation, genuine birth footage, and illuminating parent commentaries. Understanding Birth provides expectant parents with important research-based information they need to prepare for their birth experience.

Topics include understanding of: pregnancy, labor, comfort techniques, medical procedures, cesarean birth, newborn care, and postpartum. There is practice and question time as well as a tour of the OB Department.

Our goal is to ease anxieties through knowledge by assisting the expectant mother and her labor support person(s) in preparing to have this "MIRACLE" be all that it can be!

Basics of Breastfeeding

All pregnant moms who are interested in learning about breastfeeding are encouraged to come. The class will cover:
the benefits of breastfeeding
how to breastfeed
how to use a breast pump
how to recognize common problems and where to get help if you need it.


To register for classes or to schedule a tour of our obstetrics unit, please call (815) 432-7771 or toll-free (800) 242-2731 ext 7771.

Nursery
At Iroquois Memorial, we believe in the significance of developing an immediate bond between mother and baby. We encourage our new mothers to keep their babies in the room. However, the nursery is always staffed with a registered nurse should mom need a respite.

Newborn Testing
Genetic disorder screenings are provided for all babies born at Iroquois Memorial. With just a small drop of blood taken from the baby's heel, we are able to test for thirty-three genetic disorders. The test results are sent to the infant's physician.

Going Home with Baby
When it's time for a new mom to go home, we want to make sure she is confident about how to care for her newborn and herself. We teach the basics of infant care, including a bath demonstration, and we'll let moms know what symptoms would require a call to baby's pediatrician. In addition, we'll give specific instructions on self-care for the postpartum period.


Other educational opportunities include a Breastfeeding Class, taught by a certified lactation consultant, is also offered.

Registration and fee required for all classes. Classes are held on the main campus of Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Ample parking is available.

Links

Be prepared for the big day... check out these lists of what you need to take to the hospital.