Advocate Christ Medical Center birthing center & maternal care

• You think you might be in labor.
• You are leaking watery fluid.
• You are experiencing decreased fetal movement.
• You are experiencing pelvic or abdominal pain.
• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.
• You have a bladder infection or urinary tract infection.
• You are experiencing severe nausea.
• You have concerns related to a high-risk pregnancy, such as high blood pressure.
• You have other pregnancy-related complications.

Please note that patients will be subject to Emergency Department copays and/or cost-sharing. Copays will vary and are based on your insurance plan benefits. Coverage, copays and any other cost-sharing can be verified with your insurance provider.

Lactation support

We work with you throughout your pregnancy and beyond to make sure you're successful at breastfeeding.

Before delivery: We offer prenatal breastfeeding classes on a regular basis to help you prepare. Register online for one today.

During your stay: Our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLCs) are available to meet with you after delivery to help with latching issues or to answer your questions.

After birth: In our Lactation Clinic, we offer outpatient breastfeeding consultations with our certified lactation consultants, who can answer your questions or address any concerns that may arise once you’re home. After obtaining a prescription for a lactation consultation, have your physician fax your prescription to 708-361-7768. Then call 708-304-9500 to make your appointment. You can also take part in our breastfeeding support group with other moms. Register online now.

Choosing a hospital with a level III NICU is important

In case any issues arise during your pregnancy or after labor, a birthing hospital with a NICU is crucial. Our birthing center is just steps away from Advocate Children’s Hospital’s level III NICU, the highest level available in Illinois. This means we're specially equipped to stabilize and provide intense nursing care to critically ill infants, those who need surgery, and those who need monitoring because of premature birth, low birth weight or other complications.

Family-focused care for premature babies

We give parents of premature infants an active role in their treatment through kangaroo care, which involves using skin-to-skin contact to foster healing.

Learn more about kangaroo care and neonatal intensive care at Advocate Health Care.

Ready for the expected and unexpected

Our highest-level NICU ensures mom and baby will have the necessary access to a highly specialized team should any issues arise.

Advanced services for complex issues

As a level III perinatal hospital, Advocate Christ has the specialized staff and sophisticated technology necessary to identify and care for at-risk mothers and babies and handle any unexpected issues that may arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

Our high-risk antepartum obstetrical unit offers:

• Comprehensive genetic, fetal and maternal diagnostic services.
• Skilled staff that includes perinatologists (experts in maternal and fetal health) and neonatologists (experts on newborns).
• Facilities designed specifically for high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.
• Around-the-clock availability of anesthesia.

Conditions that may warrant admission to the antepartum unit include:

• Pre-term labor
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Diabetes
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Bleeding disorders – placenta previa, placental abruption, etc.
• Fetal conditions
• Post-surgery complications

Learn more about high-risk pregnancy management at Advocate Health Care.

Multidisciplinary treatment

Our team approach ensures women facing high-risk pregnancies get the comprehensive care they need for the best possible outcomes.