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Our level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is near our labor and delivery units, allowing our specialized neonatology team to care for your baby quickly in a time of need. Highest level of NICU care: For some births, unexpected complications can require a baby to need extra care.This includes promoting skin-to-skin contact, having trained staff available after delivery and limiting separation between the mom and baby during their hospital stay. While we respect a mom’s choice in feeding her baby, it’s our goal to provide the optimal conditions for successful breastfeeding. “Baby-Friendly” certification honors commitment to breastfeeding and bonding: Rush University Medical Center earned a “Baby-Friendly” designation from a national organization that honors hospitals for providing the best environments for breastfeeding.The earlier the diagnosis, the easier postpartum depression is to treat - and the better a new mom will feel as she bonds with and cares for her baby. If a new mom needs help, we connect her to resources, including Rush University Medical Center’s Center for Women’s Behavioral and Mental Health. Screening for and treating depression in new moms: Before new moms leave the hospital, our providers screen them for symptoms of depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Research has found that this technique helps parents feel more connected during the birth and bond more quickly with their baby. Rush Copley Medical Center offers gentle C-section, which switch the traditional solid drape for a clear one, allowing moms to see their baby being born. Gentle cesarean encourages bonding: Sometimes having a C-section can distract you from celebrating the first moments of welcoming a new baby.Being mobile can be an important part of anyone’s labor, but especially a mom wanting an alternative birth. This type of monitoring enables your provider to watch your baby’s heart rate and allows you to be mobile.
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For moms interested in walking and moving during labor, we offer telemetry monitoring. Telemetry monitoring allows you to move during labor: Since contractions can stress some babies and affect their heart rates, Rush providers keep a close watch on how your baby is handling labor and delivery through electronic monitoring.If you choose to use pain medications during labor, your team will work with an anesthesiologist to help ensure you’re as comfortable as possible and safe through delivery. For moms choosing a natural (non-medicated) childbirth, our providers assist with relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as specialty equipment including birthing balls. Pain management specific to your childbirth goals: Your labor and delivery team will help manage your labor pain based on your personal preferences.This time together promotes bonding between you and your newborn and allows you and your loved ones the opportunity to ask our providers questions as they help you care for your baby.
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Mother-baby suites, for after delivery, offer you the privacy and space for your baby to stay in your room for all care, including initial baths and exams by our pediatricians. Spacious and private labor and delivery suites include many of the comforts of home, from walk-in showers and flat-screen televisions to sleeping space for loved ones.
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