Natural deliveries at Prentice?

amyjay23

Hi All!

I am just about 12 weeks with my first baby and planning to deliver at Prentice Women's. I'd like to do as much naturally as possible (barring complications) and  I've heard really great things, but was wondering if anyone has had or planned a natural delivery at Prentice.  If so, could you give me some insight into how accommodating the staff is with this?  I'm mostly concerned about being rushed or having "routine" things done that aren't necessary.  Any words of wisdom are much appreciated, and congratulations to all of you on your little bundles of joy!

chicagobridelibby

I had a baby there 2 years ago and was unsure if I wanted to go natural or medicated. My doctor supported whatever decisions I made. I was not given Pitocin (it wasn't even brought up) and I did not feel rushed. In fact, the doctor was thinking I might need forceps during birth as the baby's hear rate was dropping, but he held off and helped me push so it was not necessary in the end. 
I think you could easily have a natural birth at Prentice, if that is what you want. 

sschwege

I have a friend who had two med-free, water births there.  Initially she was with the OBs, but when she brought up her desire for a med-free birth the OB's exact response was, "We like to keep things moving." she went on to suggest she switch to the MWs who deliver at Prentice.  That's what my friend did and she had a great experience with the MWs.  One thing that she found annoying was that the anesthesiologists were required to come in there once while you were in labor to talk about medicated pain management options.  It didn't matter if you said you didn't want to hear from them, they still came in and gave their pitch, though my friend said once she declined they never came back and did not question her decision in anyway. 

I delivered at Swedish with the MWs and had a great experience both times.  Had both of my babies without so much as a saline lock in my arm and hope to do it again this time.  If you really want a hands off approach, Swedish or West Suburban will give you the best shot.  But as I said, my friend had a great experience at Prentice. 

MamaDaraChicago

You can definitely have a natural delivery at Prentice. I had my first there and went all natural. I also had a doula there with me and there were no issues with that either. They have all different types of laboring gear - swiss balls, birthing stool, grip bars, etc... I do think that some nurses are better than others when it comes to the natural labor and having my doula there to help support my choices was key for me personally. Best of luck! You'll do great!

mexicolombiana

I would STRONGLY discourage you from having a baby at Prentice if you want no interventions and people who actually respect your wishes.  Unless of course you go with their midwives (I hear they have midwives).  I tried to have a natural birth there with my first and they laughed at me and mocked me and forced the epidural on me. 

With my 2nd I had an all natural birth with West Suburban Midwives and my experience was a million times better.