Prenatal Orientation Class

Lactation & Childbirth

Lactation Classes

Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but it rarely feels that way. For first time moms, and inexperienced babies breast feeding can be a challenge. While videos and books give helpful advice and illustrations to new moms, nothing is better than having a trained professional at your side assisting you in breastfeeding positions, Latch, infant feeding clues and most important; "Did my infant get enough milk?" These are the 4 most important key factors attributing to successful and healthy breastfeeding.

Our main goal is to facilitate and support a "peaceful, enjoyable" and "safe" breastfeeding experience for you, your newborn as well as your extended family. We can get you off to a positive start so that you and your baby can enjoy many fulfilling months or years ahead.

Breastfeeding is empowering to us as women. And yet we understand that there is limited time spent in the care of health professionals during your hospital stay postnatally. Allow us to help you successfully breastfeed your infant.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding alone provides all the nutrients necessary for infants until about 6 months of age. We can provide answers and solutions to all your questions and concerns. We will be there through all the common, and not so common stages of doubt, with our supportive, sensitive and knowledgeable staff.

You can rest assured that you and your child will be cared for with the utmost kindness, love and respect.

Lactation Specialist

All classes are taught by Robin Ross. Robin has a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from De Paul University, Chicago. She also has a certificate in Birth-3 in Montessori (AMI), Denver, CO. Her passion for education and understanding the importance of early childhood development is what led her to seek a more natural approach to birthing her first born in 2007. It was her incredible and empowering birthing experience with the aid of her husband, birth doula, and HypnoBirthing®, which gave way to finding her true passion: helping other moms and families have a confident, calm, all inclusive, and empowering birthing experience. Robin is a Certified HypnoBirthing Instructor, Certified Birth Doula CD (DONA), Certified Lactation Educator (CAPPA), Certified Aromatherapist (American College of Healthcare Sciences, OR), Certified Placenta Arts Specialist (APPA), and Certified Reflexologist (SOHMAR, Downers Grove, IL). Robin has been supporting families pre and post natally since 2008. She currently resides in Bolingbrook, IL with her husband and three children.

Both West Suburban Women's Health and Robin are committed to providing the enthusiastically supportive and comforting environment that mothers and babies deserve.

Individual Lactation Services

Postpartum Mother/Baby Session - 1.5 hours

  • Length of Session: 1.5 Hours
  • Individual assistance with breastfeeding difficulties including latch issues, discomfort while feeding, milk supply concerns, weight gain, etc. Payment is due when service is provided.
  • Tuesdays (please call to schedule) Cost: $115

Breastfeeding Education and Groups

They Come Hungry!

  • When: 2024: 4/23, 5/28, 7/30
  • Time: 7pm-9pm
  • Cost: $55
  • Suggested Attendance: Late Pregnancy
  • Learn the How To's of breastfeeding. Receive practical information for breastfeeding success. Find out what to look for to know mother & baby are doing well.
  • Items to bring with you: a baby doll or stuffed animal, a swaddle or receiving blanket.

Breastfeeding / New Moms Support Group

Meet and socialize with other new moms. Get any questions answered in a comfortable environment. Infant weight checks are included. Get the support needed for breastfeeding to be successful for both mom and baby.

  • Every Tuesday from 11:00-12:00
  • Cost: FREE
  • Suggested Attendance: Any Breastfeeding Mama

Antenatal Colostrum Collection by Hand Expressing

Current research supports the safety of antenatal hand expressing of colostrum due to its potential benefit of supporting a mother whose goal is to exclusively breastfeed her baby. Expressed colostrum can be used for supplementation when needed.

Antenatal colostrum collecting may be medically indicated for you and your baby in the following scenarios:

  • Have diabetes of any kind (colostrum stabilizes blood sugars more than formula)
  • Are taking beta blockers to control high blood pressure
  • Had previous breast surgery
  • Had history of low milk supply

Or if baby has:

  • Sibling with history of high jaundice levels requiring supplementation
  • Known cleft lip or palate
  • Congenital conditions such as Down syndrome or cardiac complications

Expressing colostrum is ONLY recommended after 36 weeks and in low-risk pregnancies. Always consult with your physician or midwife before initiating.

The following references can help you get started. If you decide you would like to begin collection, storage syringes can be obtained at our office:

Childbirth Care Classes

West Suburban Women's Health offers preparation classes for expectant parents to help provide parents with a more realistic, knowledgeable and ultimately more enjoyable experience. We've taught thousands of women to coordinate their minds and bodies during labor and birth and helped spouses and support people understand their important role in ensuring success.

Preparing for your baby's birth should be fun and interesting. Classes at West Suburban Women's Health have been intentionally designed so families can choose as few or as many classes as they would like to take. They are specifically designed for our group of physicians and midwives.

Often touted as our "most fun" classes, these fun and interactive programs cover the specifics of newborn care, including bathing, temperature-taking, newborn reflexes and behavior, common newborn appearances, diapering, swaddling and soothing, feeding techniques and more.

Childbirth Education Group Classes

Attend 4 childbirth classes for the discounted price of $165.

Childbirth Basics – 101

Begin your journey to meeting your baby by learning about the labor process.  Topics include:

  • How to know you are in labor
  • When to go to the hospital
  • What to bring with you
  • What to expect during the hospital stay

Also covered is information about interventions such as fetal monitoring, epidurals and cesarean delivery.  Even if you are planning for an epidural, this class is full of vital information to improve your childbirth experience.

  • When: 2024: 4/6, 5/4, 6/1, 7/6
  • Time: 9am-11:30am
  • Cost: $55
  • Suggested Attendance: Late Pregnancy

Beyond the Basics - 102

This class focuses on labor comfort measures such as breathing & relaxation techniques. You will also learn about other therapeutic coping skills and practice using birthing balls. We recommend attending Childbirth Basics – 101 prior to this class.

  • When: 2024: 4/9, 5/14, 6/4, 7/9
  • Time: 7-9pm
  • Cost: $55
  • Suggested Attendance: Late Pregnancy

Not My First Rodeo

Not My First Rodeo is meant for "seasoned" parents. Whether this is your 2nd or 12th birth, this class is a great refresher that focuses on the stages of labor, what to do in each phase of labor, positioning for labor and birth, partner's support, feelings that surround growing your family and much more. No prerequisite class needed. Additional Topics include:

  • breathing techniques
  • relaxation tools
  • positive distraction techniques
  • feelings around bringing home another child
  • how to prepare child/dren for their sibling
  • getting information for an easier recovery
  • When: 2024: 5/11, 7/27
  • Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Cost: $55
  • Suggested Attendance: Late Pregnancy
  • Please note that this class is separate and is not included in the package discount of $165

Newborn Care Group Classes

Baby Care Basics

This class will focus on a wide range of topics including postpartum adjustments, newborn care, ways to reduce the risk of SIDS, and when to call your pediatrician.

  • When: 2024: 4/16, 5/21, 6/25
  • Time: 7pm-9pm
  • Cost: $55
  • Suggested Attendance: Late Pregnancy
  • Items to bring with you: a baby doll or stuffed animal, a swaddle or receiving blanket, a baby bottle, two diapers

HypnoBirthing®

HypnoBirthing® is a childbirth education class that prepares the mind and body for labor and birth. The classes are designed to build confidence in the birthing body and baby through breathing, relaxation, and visualization techniques. These techniques are demonstrated and practiced in class; however, it is the daily practice and conditioning that happens outside of the class that really helps to make this a very positive experience. Below is a general list of what is included when taking the HypnoBirthing® Class:

  • 5 information-packed class meetings
  • Body toning exercises and practice
  • Handouts for planning your Birth Preferences
  • A set of Birth Prompts for your birth Companion
  • Demonstration and practice in optimal birth positions
  • Techniques in building birth confidence and eliminating fears
  • A Guide to good pregnancy nutrition
  • Several deep relaxation techniques for use during birthing
  • Well-paced instruction designed to build your confidence and help you to have a safer, easier, and more comfortable birthing
  • Special calm breathing methods for use throughout labor and during birthing
  • Small classes for personal attention
  • 5 – 2 hour classes
  • When: If you are interested in Hypnobirthing, please contact Robin Ross directly to schedule your class. Email: robinross1312@gmail.com

Location

West Suburban Women's Health Ltd.
545 Plainfield Roads Suite C
Willowbrook, IL 60527
(630) 654-2229

Office Hours

Office Hours are by Appointment
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-7:00pm
Friday 8:00am-3:00pm

Contact

24 Hour Answering Service:
Phone: (630) 654-2229
Fax: (630) 655-3270