Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Maternity Services

Each year, about 11,000 women chose Prentice Women's Hospital to be their partner for maternity care. As a designated Level III Perinatal and Special Care Center, Prentice Women’s Hospital offers traditional birthing methods and supports birth options such as water births, midwives and doulas. From preparing for pregnancy, labor and delivery, to taking your new baby home, you will find educational and support services to meet your every need:

Online Pre-Registration

You can pre-register you and your baby online with Prentice Women's Hospital. By pre-registering, your admission process on your delivery day will run smoothly and quickly.

The Parent Review e-Newsletter

Sign-up to receive a free e-newsletter that gives advice, tips and support during every week of your pregnancy, labor and delivery and the first year of your baby's life.

Alberto Culver Women's Health Center

The Alberto-Culver Women's Health Center offers in-person access to educational materials regarding support for women and their families.

Women's Classes and Programs

From general health information to planning, preparing and caring for your baby, Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s classes and programs will help all women learn about their health at every stage of life.

Pregnancy/Postpartum

Your New Baby — Learn the essentials of parenting and newborn care from birth to three months. Extends beyond the basics of diapering and bathing, covering infant behavior, sleep patterns, illness recognition, comforting techniques, and growth and development. Participants receive the book, "The Joy of Parenthood." Weekday evenings & weekend days. Call for dates.

Breastfeeding: The Best Beginning — Designed for pregnant couples and taught by lactation consultants, this class provides practical information about milk production, techniques/positions, milk pumping and storage and tips for breastfeeding success. Includes information on ways dads can help. Call for dates.

Expectant Fathers — Join other fathers-to-be to learn about pregnancy, childbirth, & parenting from the male perspective. Participants receive a complimentary copy of the book "Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads". Sunday afternoons beginning in 2010. Thursday evenings. Call for dates.

Expectant Grandparents — Covers current trends in childbirth, newborn safety & care, tips for supporting new parents, and how to become loving, lasting impressions in your grandchild's life. Includes two complimentary publications – "Grandparenting Joys and Challenges" and "101 Ways to Spoil Your Grandchild". Sundays. Call for dates.

Great Expectations for Teens — This four hour childbirth preparation series for expectant teens and those who plan to be with them at delivery. Pizza included. Friday evenings.

Great Expectations — “Brown Bag” Program- This two-class series is offered on Thursday evenings; 5 to 9p.m. Dinner is not included, but feel free to bring your favorite take-out!

Great Expectations Weekend Program — This is a one-day, all-day version of the weekday program. Saturdays and Sundays; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call for dates.

Infant Massage Classes — For parents and infants up to six months old. Learn specific massage techniques clinically proven to encourage digestion, development & better sleep. Taught by a certified infant massage instructor. Wednesday afternoons. Private class arranged to meet your schedule.

Infant/Pediatric CPR and Safety — Learn safety, CPR and anti-choking techniques for newborns and children. Taught by American Heart Association-certified instructors. Saturdays and Sundays; Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Pediatric Care: Your New Baby — A pediatrician addresses medical issues common in the first year of life. Includes the book, “Baby 411”, by Denise Fields and Ari Brown, MD. Monday evenings.

Transitions to Motherhood Series — A six-week series for mom & new baby. Share your thoughts, experiences, and concerns about motherhood with other new moms. Group discussion & educational topics provide tangible tools to help you transition into this new role by decreasing anxiety, stress, and depression and increasing your confidence as a parent. Clinical experts speak on key topics, such as feeding and sleep issues, fussy baby, impact of baby on marriage, & difficult emotions. Call for dates.

Wealth Management Strategies for Parents — A financial planner discusses college savings plans, life insurance needs, estate planning and what to do with 401K plans if your job status has changed. Wednesday afternoons.

Bowser and the Baby — Is your dog ready for the new baby? Bowser may need help adjusting. Learn how to teach even old dogs new behaviors that will make them safer, happier, and more like babys' best friends. Babies are welcome to attend, but please leave bowser at home. Participants receive an illustrated dog training manual. Call for dates.

For Multiples

Breastfeeding Multiples — For pregnant couples expecting twins or more. Learn techniques and tips for breastfeeding success. Includes information on dad's role. Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings.

Great Expectations for Multiples — This two or four week class program for those expecting twins or more features information from the Great Expectations class with emphasis on multiples. Weekend days or Tuesday evenings.

Parents of Multiples Club — Parents of multiple children may have concerns about psychological and physical needs of their families. This club allows parents and soon-to-be parents to swap ideas. Topics include individuality, nutrition, sleep habits and savings. Tuesday evenings.

Support Groups

New Moms Support Group — Talk personally about the challenges of caring for a new baby and develop coping strategies for dealing with difficulties with the help of other mothers and a clinical expert. Monday mornings.

Together in the Loss of a Child — For parents of infants who have died during pregnancy or shortly thereafter. Speakers discuss subsequent children, handling the holidays and more. Thursday evenings.