This section includes answers to common questions families have asked about the Family Birthing Centers at Edward-Elmhurst Health.
The best way to get an idea of what is available at the hospital where you plan to give birth is to take a tour. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, at this time we are only offering virtual tours of our Family Birthing Centers.
On our virtual tours, led by a certified childbirth instructor, you and your partner will receive instructions & maps for where to park and which entrance to come to when in labor, will see photos/videos of our birthing rooms, monitors, and equipment used, and learn more about the services we offer.
You can register for a tour by calling Class Registration at 630-527-6363 or register online.
Our Family Birthing Centers have two convenient locations: Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital.
Edward Hospital is located at 801 South Washington Street in Naperville.
- If you arrive during the daytime (before 9 p.m.), park in the North Parking Deck and enter through the North hospital entrance.
- If you arrive at night (after 9 p.m.), enter through the South Emergency Room entrance.
- Stop at the information desk.
- Proceed to the Labor & Delivery entrance on the first floor.
View a map of Edward campus
Elmhurst Hospital is located at 155 E. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.
- Park in the “Green” parking lot.
- Go to the East Entrance.
- Take the East Elevator to the third floor.
- Exit the East Elevator to your right and follow the signs to the Family Birthing Center.
View a map of Elmhurst campus
The adults you choose to accompany you in the birthing room are there to support you during labor. Determining who is present during delivery is a decision you can make with your physician or midwife. However, if complications arise, we may ask visitors to leave. Caring for you and your baby is our top priority.
Please see the current Visitor/Care Partner Policy for the most recent information about visitors.
You are encouraged to have a designated Care Partner with you thru labor, birth, and postpartum. Your Care Partner will receive a bracelet that he/she must not remove until you are discharged.
Please see the current Visitor/Care Partner Policy for the most recent information about visitors.
If your baby is in the NICU at Edward Hospital or the Special Care Nursery at Elmhurst Hospital, your nurse will discuss visitation with you.
Yes, both Edward and Elmhurst hospitals schedule “quiet time” for mom and baby from 2-4 p.m. each day. During this special time, staff interaction will be limited and you’re encouraged to rest and bond with your baby. Your designated Care Partner may stay in your room during quiet time.
For vaginal births, the average length of stay is two nights. For Cesarean births, plan for at least one more night's stay in the hospital.
Physicians try to make early visits on the day of discharge so that patients can leave the hospital by 11 a.m. All required lab work must be completed for both mom and baby, including the baby's hearing screen, newborn screening (PKU) test, and any other tests or immunizations that your baby's doctor has ordered, and the baby's birth certificate form must be completed and signed.
You will need to have a properly installed car seat to take your newborn home. Plan ahead. A good time to install the new car seat is before you have your baby. Have local law enforcement or the fire department conduct a car seat safety check so you’re all set when baby arrives. Learn more about car seat safety.
Learn more about caring for your baby once you’re home
Learn more about postpartum care after you have a baby
Prior to your discharge from the hospital, you will be given a form that you can mail in to request a copy of your baby's birth certificate. After mailing in the form, it may take several weeks to obtain the birth certificate copy.
You may also request a copy of your baby's birth certificate by contacting one of the following:
Here are just a few reasons why a prenatal class could help you:
- Reliable information - Although there are many websites and other sources of information about childbirth and infant care, not all of the information you receive is reliable or relevant. Our Prepared Childbirth classes combine features from the three most common methods of childbirth education taught today: Lamaze, Bradley, and Grantly-Dick Read. You’ll learn what’s normal during the birth process and why it happens, the important role of the labor support partner, comfort measures to use during labor, and relaxation and breathing techniques to help you get through labor.
- Hands-on practice - Studies show that you only remember about 10 percent of what you read, but up to 90 percent of what you see, hear, and do. Therefore, we strive to use various teaching techniques to get you involved in learning. Our instructors will use a wide variety of visual aids, videos, demonstrations, comfort tools for you to try, and activities to increase your learning and understanding.
- Social interaction and peer support - In prenatal classes, you will be part of a community of people who share your same concerns, fears and hopes. You can learn from each other’s questions and discussions. You also prepare together as a couple for this big event, often creating lasting memories of this special time together.
- Reduced anxiety - The fear of the unknown causes anxiety which can increase the discomfort of labor. By learning about the birth process and what to expect, you can help to reduce the anxiety associated with this experience. We include a tour of the Family Birthing Center as part of the Prepared Childbirth class, including where to come for admission, the birthing suites, postpartum rooms and newborn nursery.
We offer a free online pregnancy class "Steps to a Healthier Pregnancy," which we recommend you take as early as possible in your pregnancy. The best time to take your childbirth, baby care or breastfeeding classes is early in your last trimester. You should plan to finish your class by about four weeks prior to your due date.
If you are expecting multiples, plan to take your childbirth class even earlier in your pregnancy, such as at the beginning of your second trimester, in case you are placed on bed rest toward the end of your pregnancy.
Classes fill quickly, so register as soon as possible so you can get the class option of your choice.
Register for a prenatal class
We understand each expectant mother has different learning needs and scheduling needs, so we offer several options for classes to prepare you for childbirth. We generally offer virtual classes or in-person classes at each hospital. If possible, please sign up for the childbirth class for the hospital where you will be delivering, as our childbirth classes also include information/photos/videos of that hospital. We offer weeknight series (2 or 3 sessions/once per week), weekend series (Sat & Sun), or one-day Childbirth Express classes (either on a Saturday or a Sunday).
We also have a Natural Childbirth class (generally 3 Tuesday evenings) at Elmhurst Hospital (or virtual). This class is generally recommended for those who see a midwife or plan for a natural childbirth, but all the topics are covered from our regular childbirth classes, including epidurals & Cesarean Births.
We have a free e-learning class (no instructor) for those having “Multiples” and one for those who are having a planned “Cesarean Birth”. These classes are recommended to be taken in addition to our regular childbirth classes.