Services include:

• 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 prenatal care, we offer resources like programs and classes to keep you healthy and prepared for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. Our maternal-fetal specialists are here to care for any complications that may arise.
• A personal childbirth plan: We want to create a memorable childbirth experience for you and your family. Please share your preferences with your care team so we can help provide the best possible experience. Consider your preferences for:
  • Family participation
  • Pain management
  • Breastfeeding

You can share your preferences with your care team so we can help provide the best possible experience for you.

• High-comfort, high-tech birthing suites: When it’s time for your baby’s arrival, you’ll settle into a private labor-delivery-recovery suite. Experienced nurses will care for and support you during childbirth. Learn more about the maternity services at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital.
• Pain management options: During labor, you’ll have a variety of pain-relief options, including nonmedication methods, medications and anesthesia (typically an epidural). Epidurals are administered by anesthesiologists, who are on-site 24/7.

Doulas During Your Stay

You are welcome to bring a credentialed doula to support you during your stay. Please note:

• Doulas are not provided by Northwestern Medicine. So, you’ll need to arrange for one yourself.
• Credentialed doulas do not count toward your visitor limit in the labor and delivery room or postpartum unit.
• In the operating room or recovery room, doulas may only be present if they are your one designated support person. Their presence also must be approved by the healthcare team.
• Doulas must present their credentials to your care team upon arrival. These will be scanned into your health record and MyNM account.
• If your doula has any questions, they may contact the Labor and Delivery unit at 847.535.6352. Ask for the unit manager.