Family Birth Center Tour

Hi, my name is Dr. Abbe Kordic, and I'm an OB/GYN, the Executive Director of the Family Birth Center and Chief of Obstetrics Quality at UChicago Medicine.

Welcome to our tour of the Family Birth Center. We are honored to be part of your journey into parenthood and committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and personalized birthing experience for you and your family.

UChicago Medicine is recognized nationally for excellence in maternity care. We are proud to be recognized by US News and World Report for our high performance in obstetrics and have earned an A rating from the Leapfrog Safety Group. Additionally, we have achieved the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hospital designation, demonstrating our dedication to breastfeeding support, parent-baby bonding, and evidence-based maternity care.

In this tour, we'll guide you through what to expect from arrival to discharge, ensuring that you feel prepared and confident every step of the way. Before you arrive, It's helpful to plan for parking. Valet parking is available at the main entrance of Comer Children's Hospital, located at 5721 South Maryland Avenue.

For those who prefer to self-park, Parking B garage is located next to the Center for Care and Discovery, which is a short walk from Comer Children's Hospital. Remember to bring your parking ticket inside for validation.

When you arrive in labor, enter through the Comer Children's Hospital main lobby. Our security staff will direct you to the Family Birth Center on the third floor. After check-in, a nurse will escort you to one of our private rooms in our OB Emergency Department. Here, we'll monitor you and your baby to assess your labor's progress.

Based on this evaluation, you'll either be admitted to a labor and delivery suite or provide guidance to you if it's not yet your time for admission. If you're ready to be admitted, a member of our team will help you get settled into your private suite. During your stay, you'll interact with various members of our interdisciplinary team, which includes-- board-certified obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high-risk pregnancies, experienced labor and delivery nurses, 24/7 in-house obstetric anesthesiologist, and neonatologists and specialized NICU staff for advanced neonatal care if they're needed.

This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Our private labor and delivery suites are designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Each room features-- state-of-the-art medical equipment seamlessly integrated into a home-like environment; free Wi-Fi and large-screen TVs; convertible sleeper beds for your support person's comfort; lighting and temperature control. You can also communicate with your care team to share your preferences.

To support natural labor, we offer various birthing accessories, including-- birthing balls, peanut balls, squatting bars, and birth stools. Two of our suites also feature built-in warm water immersion tubs for hydrotherapy.

Most importantly, our nurses are continuously training to improve labor support with movement, positioning, and techniques to promote vaginal birth. We encourage freedom of movement during labor to help manage pain naturally and promote labor progression. Our team supports your preferences, whether you choose unmedicated birth techniques or opt for pain management.

Our dedicated obstetric anesthesiologists are available 24/7, offering pain relief options such as-- IV pain medicines, epidurals, and nitrous oxide. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities in the event of a cesarean delivery, our surgical team is available around the clock. We have two state-of-the-art operating rooms specifically designed for cesarean births, ensuring the highest level of safety and care. We practice gentle cesareans, promoting skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and breastfeeding in the operating room whenever possible.

After birth, you'll transition to one of our private postpartum suites. We practice rooming in, allowing you and your baby to bond continuously. Our team provides comprehensive support, including-- lactation consultants, who are available seven days a week to assist with breastfeeding; postpartum nurses to support your recovery and newborn care; and educational resources to help you feel confident in caring for your newborn.

If your baby requires specialized medical attention, our level 3 neonatal intensive care unit is located within Comer Children's Hospital, just down the hall. Staffed by board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and respiratory therapists, our NICU provides advanced care.

Before discharge, our team will provide comprehensive education on newborn care, postpartum recovery, and assist you in scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments. When it's time to go home, your support person can bring the car to the designated pickup area at the hospital entrance. Short-term parking is available for easy loading, and our team will assist you as needed. Thank you for trusting us at such a special time in your life. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an in-person visit, please visit our website at uchicagomedicine.org.