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Mel122013

Hi ladies! I'm 11 weeks pregnant with my first baby. Baby is due 12/25 and I've always known even before becoming pregnant that I want to have a natural birth. I'm thinking a birthing center is the way I want to go, one that has a birthing tub. I live in Chicago north side right now and there's so many options when you type in birthing centers in Chicago in google. Does any one have any suggestions for great birthing centers in Chicago?? And sry, this is long, what to look for or ask when looking for a doula or midwife. Thanks!

sschwege

Welcome!  My EDD last year was 12/26 (born on 12/29).  We live on the North Side of Chicago as well.  Are you looking for a freestanding birth center or one attached to a hospital?  My understanding is that up until recently you could not set up a free standing birth center in IL and to my knowledge there still aren't any.  But maybe that has changed?  I've heard great things about West Suburban Alternative Birthing Center if you can make the drive.  I had both my babies med-free at Swedish and had a great experience with their CNMs.  Let me know if I can answer any questions, nice to see a fellow Chicago girl Congrats!

Mel122013

I would like one attached to a hospital. I may be moving to the west side but as of now I live in Rogers park. So you didn't have a doula?? Just the nurses right? Is a doula even needed? I just want to give birth in a comfortable place where I'm not restricted

Mel122013

sschwege:

Welcome! nbsp;My EDD last year was 12/26 born on 12/29. nbsp;We live on the North Side of Chicago as well. nbsp;Are you looking for a freestanding birth center or one attached to a hospital? nbsp;My understanding is that up until recently you could not set up a free standing birth center in IL and to my knowledge there still aren't any. nbsp;But maybe that has changed? nbsp;I've heard great things about West Suburban Alternative Birthing Center if you can make the drive. nbsp;I had both my babies medfree at Swedish and had a great experience with their CNMs. nbsp;Let me know if I can answer any questions, nice to see a fellow Chicago girl : Congrats!

Oh and thank you! I'm very excited. My only fear is that it will hurt so bad that I'll give up and want the drugs, which I really don't want at all! Did you go to classes first to kinda of prepare you with different positions to use and pain management ?

sschwege

Mel122013:

I would like one attached to a hospital. I may be moving to the west side but as of now I live in Rogers park. So you didn't have a doula?? Just the nurses right? Is a doula even needed? I just want to give birth in a comfortable place where I'm not restricted

We live in the NorthCenter Neighborhood.  My dad grew up in Rogers Park and a lot of my family is still there

I did not have a doula, just my L & D nurses and the CNM.  Swedish does have volunteer doulas if that's something you are interested.  The MWs there are great and the hospital is very accommodating, I was able to eat/drink, move around as I pleased, every room has a tub to labor in and a shower, they don't even do routine IVs.  Just really a great experience!  

sschwege

Mel122013:

sschwege:

Welcome! nbsp;My EDD last year was 12/26 born on 12/29. nbsp;We live on the North Side of Chicago as well. nbsp;Are you looking for a freestanding birth center or one attached to a hospital? nbsp;My understanding is that up until recently you could not set up a free standing birth center in IL and to my knowledge there still aren't any. nbsp;But maybe that has changed? nbsp;I've heard great things about West Suburban Alternative Birthing Center if you can make the drive. nbsp;I had both my babies medfree at Swedish and had a great experience with their CNMs. nbsp;Let me know if I can answer any questions, nice to see a fellow Chicago girl : Congrats!

Oh and thank you! I'm very excited. My only fear is that it will hurt so bad that I'll give up and want the drugs, which I really don't want at all! Did you go to classes first to kinda of prepare you with different positions to use and pain management ?

Yes, we took a Hypnobirthing when I was pregnant with DD and I thought it was amazing.  I would highly recommend!  

Other than taking a class I would just say research and educate yourself.  Some books I like are "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and "The Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth".