BirthGuide

Posting the two most recent podcast episodes. Better late than never!

Episode 10: It can be hard to think past childbirth, but the postpartum period will be healthier and happier if you've made the connections you'll need ahead of time. In this episode, four Chicago-area providers with deep experience supporting postpartum families share ideas on how to prepare during pregnancy for the early days of parenting. Hear from Meghan Doyle, ; Emily Heilman, ; Rebecca Nguyen, ; and Anne Rodney,

https://birthguidechicago.com/episode/episode-10-planning-to-flourish-in-the-4th-trimester/

Posting the two most recent podcast episodes. Better late than never!

Episode 9: Imagine a pediatrician who seems to have all the time in the world to answer your questions. Imagine being able to text her directly any time, day or night. Imagine not having to pack your baby up for a newborn visit because your doctor is coming to you! This week we talk to three Chicago-area pediatricians who have left the managed care system in order to buck the trend towards rushed appointments, impersonal care and long wait times. Join our conversation with Drs. Roey Fuller, , Cindy Rubin and Courtney Weems to learn more about alternative models of care in the fourth trimester.

https://birthguidechicago.com/episode/episode-9-going-outside-the-box-to-deliver-better-pediatric-care/

New podcast episode on prenatal yoga. https://birthguidechicago.com/episode/episode-8-all-about-prenatal-yoga/
Three thoughtful guests: Jenny Barron Fishman from Sweet Pea's Studio; Kristen Simons from Grateful Yoga; and Diana Zic from CocoonCare. CocoonCare Sweet Pea's Studio Grateful Yoga of Evanston

Home - BirthGuide Chicago BirthGuide Chicago helps you find care for fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, education, complementary care.

Pelvic PT for every postpartum women - Episode 6 of the BirthGuide podcast is live.

Tell us what you think!

https://birthguidechicago.com/episode/episode-6-pelvic-pt-for-every-postpartum-mother/

Spreading the word. . .

UI Health is launching a new research study comparing regular maternity care to a new model, called Melanated Group Midwifery Care (MGMC).

In MGMC, Black women receive prenatal care by a Black care team (involving midwives, nurse care coordinators, and postpartum doulas) and with other Black women and pregnant people. The goal of MGMC is to improve Black families' experiences and outcomes and participants will be compensated for their time.

If you are interested in participating in the study, reach out to us at [email protected] to confirm you're eligible! 🖤

New podcast episode! I talk with doula and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Pearce about how to prepare for a satisfying birth by understanding your birth personality. [link in comments]

Love this idea!

New Podcast episode: Dads & Doulas. A great resource for families trying to decide whether to hire a birth doula.

Summary: Five Chicago-area fathers share their experiences working with a birth doula. These generous and candid conversations cover attitudes towards doulas and the decision to hire a doula; what it’s like to support labor in partnership with a doula; how doulas support couples as they navigate decision making in labor; the doula’s role in birth; and advice for other families.

Join host Anne Nicholson Weber for this exploration of doula care from the partner’s perspective.

Episode 4: Dads & Doulas - BirthGuide Chicago Five Chicago-area fathers talk with host Anne Nicholson Weber about how hiring a birth doula impacted them during pregnancy and childbirth.

A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 4 has the best birthing scene ever filmed for television. Thanks to actress Teresa Palmer and the director and writers for that. Teresa's performance is absolutely authentic, and the feeling in the birth room was captured perfectly. And yes, it helps to have a witch midwife aunt casting spells over the birth tub, and a vampire stepson MD who can monitor the twins' heart rates by telepathy from the other room. But what mattered was a courageous mother and her loving partner and the circle of skilled helpers supporting them. Funny that it takes a fantasy series to tell the truth about what birth can be.

Other positive and truthful depictions of birth in television and movies??

BirthGuide's Road Map to a VBAC in the Chicago Area has been updated with newest VBAC data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Road Map covers:

- VBAC or repeat Cesarean — resources to help you decide
- Choosing a VBAC-friendly hospital and practitioner
- Best Chicago-area hospitals for VBAC
- Options for midwife-attended VBAC
- Options if you’ve had two prior C-sections (VBA+2C)
- VBAC in a midwife-led birth center

Here's the updated list of Chicago-area hospitals with the best VBAC statistics for the most recent reporting period:

#1 Saint Anthony Hospital – 43.3% VBAC rate
#2 NorthShore University HealthSystem – 37.8% VBAC rate
#3 UChicago Medicine Family Birth Center – 30.9% VBAC rate
#4 UI Health Family Birth Center – 30.6% VBAC rate
#5 Swedish Hospital – 28.9% VBAC rate

https://birthguidechicago.com/best-options-for-vbac-in-the-chicago-area/

[2022] Road Map: Best Options for VBAC in Chicago A guide to choosing the best hospitals for VBAC in the Chicago area

So happy to report that at this point (mid-August, virtually all Chicago-area maternity hospitals (39 of 44) are allowing a laboring mother be accompanied by both her doula and her partner.

The five hospitals that continue to have RESTRICTIVE policies in place at this time are:

AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago
Loyola University Medical Center
MacNeal Hospital
Saint Anthony Hospital
UI Health University of Illinois Hospital

PLEASE NOTE THAT HUMBOLDT PARK HEALTH HAS CLARIFIED THAT THEY CONSIDER A DOULA TO BE PART OF THE MEDICAL CARE TEAM. THIS MEANS THAT DOULAS ARE ALLOWED IN ADDITION TO THE ONE COMPANION SPECIFIED IN THEIR POLICY.

You can see an overview of the doula and companion policies at all Chicago-area hospitals on BirthGuideChicago.com:

https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies-2/

[updated August 9, 2021] COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

So happy to report that at this point (late July 2021), virtually all Chicago-area maternity hospitals (38 of 44) are allowing a laboring mother be accompanied by both her doula and her partner.

The six hospitals that continue to have RESTRICTIVE policies in place at this time are:

AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago
Humboldt Park Health (formerly Norwegian American Hospital)
Loyola University Medical Center
MacNeal Hospital
Saint Anthony Hospital
UI Health University of Illinois Hospital

You can see an overview of the doula and companion policies at all Chicago-area hospitals on BirthGuideChicago.com:

https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies-2/

[updated July 21, 2021] COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

Except Saint Joseph, all AMITA hospitals in the Chicago-area are now allowing doulas (as of 7/14/2021)!

Although the AMITA system website states that visitors at AMITA hospitals are only allowing one companion during labor, we have confirmed with the following hospitals that they are allowing certified doulas in addition to the mother's partner.

GlenOaks
Hinsdale
Elk Grove Village
Mercy Aurora
Resurrection
Saints Mary & Elizabeth
Hoffman Estates

Doulas should be prepared to show their credentials. Also note that Resurrection requires advance notice to the mother's physician that a doula will be attending, and credentials should be provided to the physician.

Doula policy information has been updated for all Chicago-area hospitals as of today. You can see the full article here:

https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies-2/

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[updated July 14, 2021] COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

Please help pass the bill to license Certified Professional Midwives in Illinois, as 35 states have already done. Licensure will make home birth safe and accessible by integrating Certifed Professional Midwives into our maternity care system and setting professional standards for education and training.

Can you spare a minute to help Anne Nicholson Weber? 455 signatures are still needed! Please Pass HB 3401 Before Adjournment; Illinois Families Have Waited Too Long Already

Doula still allowed at these Chicago-area hospitals!

On behalf of Chicago-area families, saying a big thank you to the following hospitals and birth centers. Despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, these facilities continue to allow a laboring mother to have both her doula and her partner at her side throughout labor and birth (as of 11/28/2020). During anxious times, hands-on support from a trained doula is all the more invaluable. We are grateful to these facilities for demonstrating their support for the evidence-based practice of doula care:
Advocate Christ Medical Center
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Advocate Sherman Hospital
Advocate South Suburban Hospital
Advocate Trinity Hospital
AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Evanston Hospital
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Highland Park Hospital
Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Mercy Hospital Chicago, Illinois
Northwest Community Hospital / Healthcare
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital
OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center
Rush Copley Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center
Silver Cross Hospital
Swedish Covenant Hospital
Birth Center at PCC
University of Chicago Medical Center
West Suburban Medical Center

You can see a compilation of all Chicago-area doula policies here:
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies/

COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

"How to dramatically reduce your risk of having a cesarean section" just went live on BirthGuideChicago.com.

Pregnant in the Chicago-area? You may be able to cut your C-section rate nearly in half by choosing to give birth at one of these hospitals:

Saint Anthony Hospital - 8.6%
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital - 10.1%
Roseland Community Hospital - 10.4%
Holy Cross Hospital - 10.6
AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center GlenOaks - 10.9%
Highland Park Hospital-Northshore University Healthsystem
Advocate Sherman Hospital - 11.4%
Evanston Hospital - Northshore University Healthsystem - 12.7%

Or, for similar cesarean risk, choose midwifery care at one of these hospitals:

Swedish Covenant Hospital
AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale
UChicago Medicine
West Suburban Medical Center
Elmhurst Hospital

And if you're low risk and want to reduce your cesarean risk to the absolute minimum, consider home birth or a freestanding birth center like the Birth Center at PCC, where primary C-section rates are 6 -8 times lower than at the Chicago-area hospitals with the highest rates.

Learn more at https://birthguidechicago.com/c-section-rates-at-chicago-area-hospitals-why-they-matter/

C-section rates at Chicago-area hospitals: why you care This guide to C-section rates at Chicago-area hospitals can help you choose the right hospital to minimize your risk of having a Cesarean.

As COVID-19 rates rise in Illinois, a reminder that these major health organizations unanimously support COVID positive mothers who want to room in with their newborns: the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

You do not need to be separated from your baby or give up on breastfeeding just because you test positive.
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-if-i-test-positive-or-have-symptoms-will-i-be-separated-from-my-baby-after-birth/

COVID-19: If I test positive or have symptoms, will I be separated from my baby after birth? | BirthGuide Chicago When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you will most likely be screened for COVID-19. If you test positive, or if you have symptoms that suggest you might be infected, then you and your clinical team will have to decide together:

BirthGuide just donated! Chicago Volunteer Doulas is one of our favorite local organizations, providing comprehensive doula support for vulnerable communities in Chicagoland. They are a pillar of our Chicago birth community and deserve your support!

Chicago Volunteer Doulas

Evidence-based, culturally-informed care, in and of the community. I've experienced birth center care first hand and can testify that it's a beautiful model. Learn more about birth center care on BirthGuide: https://birthguidechicago.com/birth-setting/midwife-birth-center

Chicago needs this. Our Southside families need this. Please share and donate.

Chicago Southside Birth Center The Southside of Chicago is currently experiencing a Maternal Health Desert. In the past 2 years, the Southside of Chicago has gone from having 7 labor and delivery options to 3. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted such health inequities that Black women are experiencing in regards to ...

So pleased to report that major health organizations at the state, national and international levels are now aligned in supporting COVID-positive mothers who wish to breastfeed and room-in with their newborns, including the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatricians, and World Health Organization.
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-if-i-test-positive-or-have-symptoms-will-i-be-separated-from-my-baby-after-birth/

COVID-19: If I test positive or have symptoms, will I be separated from my baby after birth? | BirthGuide Chicago When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you will most likely be screened for COVID-19. If you test positive, or if you have symptoms that suggest you might be infected, then you and your clinical team will have to decide together:

Another happy update. We hear that Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is now allowing doulas, along with Lake Forest, Prentice and Central Dupage Hospitals. Thanks to all the Northwestern Medicine system hospitals for considering the emotional needs of families when making policy.

You can learn about doula policies at all Chicago-area hospitals on BirthGuide Chicago.
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies/

COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

Happy Monday! So pleased to announce that as of today (July 6), three additional Chicago-area hospitals are allowing a laboring mother to have both her support person and her doula with her in Labor & Delivery.

The hospitals joining the list are: NorthShore University HealthSystem, Highland Park Hospital-Northshore University Healthsystem, and AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale.

You can see a complete and up-to-date list of Chicago-area hospitals' doula policies on BirthGuide Chicago.
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies/

COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

[Updated] THANK YOU!

On behalf of Chicago-area families, saying a big thank you to the following hospitals and birth centers.

Those listed with an asterisk have recently relaxed visitor policies as COVID 19 positivity rates and hospitalizations have declined in Illinois.

**And our special gratitude to the remainder of the hospitals and birth centers on this list, which have continued to allow a laboring mother to have both her doula and her partner at her side THROUGHOUT the pandemic.**

During anxious times, hands-on support from a trained doula is all the more invaluable. We are grateful to these facilities for demonstrating their support for the doula model of care.

Advocate Aurora Health
Advocate Christ Medical Center
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Advocate South Suburban Hospital
Advocate Sherman Hospital
Advocate Trinity Hospital
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
*Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Northwest Community Hospital / Healthcare
*Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
*Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
*Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital
The Birth Center at PCC
Rush–Copley Medical Center
Rush University System for Health
Silver Cross Hospital
*Swedish Hospital
*University of Chicago Medicine Family Birth Center
West Suburban Medical Center

You can see a compilation of all Chicago-area doula policies here:
https://birthguidechicago.com/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies/

COVID-19 UPDATE: Can my doula be with me? Can my partner be with me? | BirthGuide Chicago Changes to labor & delivery policies in Chicago-area hospitals governing support people, doulas and visitors in response to COVID-19

Our "Roadmap to a VBAC in the Chicago Area" has been updated with the most recent VBAC stats from Chicago-area hospitals. Find the hospitals with the best VBAC rates, along with advice on choosing a VBAC-friendly hospital.

https://birthguidechicago.com/best-options-for-vbac-in-the-chicago-area/

So pleased that a second freestanding birth center is coming to the Chicago area. Freestanding birth centers offer safe, woman-centered care outside of the hospital. A valuable option at all times, and especially now. Burr Ridge Birth Center The Birth Center at PCC

What can care be like in an out-of-hospital, community setting?

The Burr Ridge Birth Center is a free-standing birth center opening this winter. We offer a warm, compassionate, and home-like environment where individuals and families receive exceptional and empowering midwifery care at every stage of life.

If you're feeling intrigued, please join us in our journey as we ready our space and our hearts for you--and all of the care you may hope for: from your first wellness appointment to your first baby to your last menstrual cycle! We are excited to offer exceptional, comprehensive midwifery care in an environment that resonates with every family and every person!

REPOSTING WITH A CLEARER IMAGE
Important new guidance from the World Health Organization on breastfeeding and COVID-19. Strongly takes the position that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks to the baby from potential exposure to COVID-19.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/maternal-health/faqs-breastfeeding-and-covid-19.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3lEpiZN0i5um0OoGzP8RB0BC_7UeU35GATj_MujiKz_QEttLb366pJPbQ

This offers additional perspective useful to COVID-19 positive or PUI mothers who may be considering whether to consent to being separated from their newborns. https://birthguidechicago.com/hospitals-and-birth-centers-in-chicago/covid-19-if-i-test-positive-or-have-symptoms-will-i-be-separated-from-my-baby-after-birth/

Important new guidance from the World Health Organization on breastfeeding and COVID-19. Strongly takes the position that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks to the baby from potential exposure to COVID-19.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/maternal-health/faqs-breastfeeding-and-covid-19.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3lEpiZN0i5um0OoGzP8RB0BC_7UeU35GATj_MujiKz_QEttLb366pJPbQ

This offers additional perspective useful to COVID-19 positive or PUI mothers who may be considering whether to consent to being separated from their newborns. https://birthguidechicago.com/hospitals-and-birth-centers-in-chicago/covid-19-if-i-test-positive-or-have-symptoms-will-i-be-separated-from-my-baby-after-birth/

THANK YOU

On behalf of Chicago-area families, saying a big thank you to the following hospitals and birth centers. Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, these facilities continue to allow a laboring mother to have both her doula and her partner at her side throughout labor and birth.

During anxious times, hands-on support from a trained doula is all the more invaluable. We are grateful to these facilities for demonstrating their support for the doula model of care.

Advocate Aurora Health

Advocate Christ Medical Center

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Advocate South Suburban Hospital

Advocate Sherman Hospital

Advocate Trinity Hospital

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields

Mercy Hospital Chicago Internal Medicine Residency

Northwest Community Hospital / Healthcare

Rush Copley Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center

Silver Cross Hospital

West Suburban Medical Center

You can see a compilation of all Chicago-area doula policies here:

https://birthguidechicago.com/support-and-services-for-pregnant-women-in-chicago/covid-19-update-labor-and-delivery-policies/

Will you consent to be separated from your baby if you test positive for COVID-19?

When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you will probably be screened for COVID-19. If you test positive, or if you have symptoms that suggest you might be infected, then you'll have have to decide whether it's better overall for you and your newborn to room together, or better for you to be in separate rooms.

This decision is ultimately up to you. As the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (“ACOG”) describes the decision-making process,

"You and your health care team . . . may discuss having your newborn stay in a separate room to reduce the risk of infection for the baby. If your health care team thinks a temporary separation is important, you should make this decision together. Talk with your health care team about your options and make a decision that feels right to you."

That means that your clinical team should share with you the medical evidence about risks and benefits of rooming in with your baby if you are COVID-19 positive. And you should share with them your preferences and priorities as a family for the care of your baby. By pooling information, you and your clinical team can make the best decision about what is right in your case. The shared goal should be to reach a decision that feels right to you in light of all considerations, medical and personal.

You can see a summary of guidance from the CDC and World Health Organization here: https://birthguidechicago.com/…/covid-19-if-i-test-positiv…/