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Alternative Birth Center

Alternative Birth Centers

Alternative Birth Centers and similar facilities are actually on the regular labor and delivery ward within the hospital. The birthing suites are larger and have more birth equipment, sometimes including special hydrotherapy tubs. The main difference between regular L & D (labor and delivery) and the ABC (alternative birth center) is that you must commit to having a natural childbirth and all staff and your primary care will do everything they can to help make that happen. If some complication does arise, or you change you mind, you will be transferred to the regular ward. One disadvantage is that it is first come/first serve so you may not get that option if it's full when you arrive. Check on how many parents request but don't get to use the ABC and see if you are comfortable with the chances. Many parents have reported having good experiences with the ABC.

See alphabetical listings below. Please contact the practitioner directly to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions. Be sure to let them know BirthLink sent you!

 

SPOTLIGHT:
Every mother, childbirth educator, physician, or midwife who has spoken out about the normalcy of birth or written about the need for change has contributed to what has become a gentle birth revolution.
Barbara Harper - Gentle Birth Choices

Why not have the spotlight on you and your services?
You can rent this space to gain extra exposure for your business.
Call 847-733-8050 for more information.




West Suburban Medical Center
Oak Park IL
877-WEST SUB
www.westsub.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs

The Alternative Birthing Center (ABC), located within Irvin & Margaret Houck Family Birthing Centre at West Suburban Hospital, is the only Center of its kind in the western suburbs. It offers all the comforts of home to help expectant mothers, and their families, feel at ease. In addition to the water-birthing tub for labor and delivery, each alternative birthing room includes a queen size bed for family bonding; full bath; TV and stereo; refrigerator; and microwave.

The ABC illustrates West Suburban innovation spirit at its best. The Center allows women with low-risk pregnancies to choose the birthing option that's best for them and their babies. Our Community rates West Suburban Health Care as the best place to have a baby and best place for women's health services. Community Perception Survey Dec 1999 Ingram Research. There are two midwife practices that work out of the ABC.

The following midwifery groups listed practice in the West Suburban Medical Center Alternative Birth Center. They also use the regular labor and delivery unit.


Midwifery & Women's Health West Sub
Medical Center

Forest Park IL
708-386-2400
www.oakparkmidwife.com

sjamoore@netscape.net

Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs

Certified nurse-midwife. Prenatal care and birth support in ABC including waterbirth. Full scope gynecologic services. Care for women throughout the lifecycle including teens and menopausal therapies. Use of a variety of alternatives. Self pay, full insurance, Kid Care and public aid accepted.

Salud Family Health Center

5359 W Fullerton Ave

Chicago IL

773-836-2795

Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs

For more information call the above number.


West Suburban Midwife Associates

Oak Park IL
708-848-3800
www.westsubmidwives.com
info@westsubmidwives.com
Area Served: Midwest Region


For more information see Midwives Hospital Based

 

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