Babies Don't Come with Instructions

Our certified childbirth education instructors help prepare expectant and new parents for an addition to their families.  Whether you're a first-time parent or a mother of three, we have classes and services designed just for you. 

Rush-Copley's Maternity Services

During Your Stay - At Rush-Copley, you will receive professional and personal care from obstetricians/gynecologists and midwives.  All rooms on the maternity unit are private and tastefully decorated with views of the hospital's serene, natural surroundings.  For the mother's comfort, there are separate Birthing and Postpartum rooms.  You will learn more about baby basics and motherhood, as well as receive breastfeeding assistance during your stay at the hospital.

We have a special birthing tub for mothers who have planned water births.  If the need arises, there are also room s available on the maternity unit for Cesarean sections, so mothers do not need to be transferred to the surgery center.  A Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is also available for babies requiring special care.

Childbirth Preparation

Maternity Unit Tours* - Come see where your baby will be born.  Led by a member of the Women's Health Center staff, free private tours of the maternity unit are available to families and children over age 10. These free tours are offered twice each month on Tuesdays at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.  Occasional Sunday afternoon tours are available also.  Tours in Spanish are available up request by calling 630-499-2309.

Me Too! Tours* - Let a new brother or sister see where baby will be born in a tour created especially for them. A Women's Health Center staff member leads private tours of the maternity unit for children.  These free tours are offered twice each month on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.  Tours in Spanish are offered once each month on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. 

*During influenza season, tours may be restricted to only those who are 18 years and older.  Expectant mothers and fathers under 18 will be permitted to attend.  Me Too! Tours may be cancelled when visiting restrictions occur.

Thinking About Having a Baby - Making some important changes in your life before you're pregnant will give your baby the best possible start in life.

Healthy Pregnancy - Healthy You  - A class for women who plan to be pregnant soon, or who are currently pregnant, up through the second trimester of pregnancy.  In this class, you will learn what to expect in the first six months of pregnancy.  Learn how your body changes physically and emotionally and what to do about all these changes.

Childbirth Education - This class covers pregnancy and aspects of labor and delivery such as the role of the labor coach, childbirth choices, OB procedures, breathing and relaxation techniques, and medication options. 

Childbirth Education Refresher - Review prenatal information for the expectant couple that has taken classes during a previous pregnancy.

Childbirth Education Marathon - If you're too busy for a traditional class, this class is for you.  This class covers everything you'll need to know about childbirth in a one-day format.

Cesarean Section Class - This new class is designed for women who know they will be having a Cesarean birth or would like to know more about it.  The program will cover frequently asked questions and includes a tour.  It is taught by a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery.

Surviving Multiples - This class is especially designed for the family expecting twins or more!  Learn about how your pregnancy is unique and different. Topics include nutrition for a multiple pregnancy, minimizing the risk of complications, labor and delivery, breast and bottle feeding more than one baby and preparing your home for the arrival of babies.  Highly recommended to take early in the second trimester for a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Prepared Childbirth During Bedrest - This information packet is a viable alternative when confined to bed and unable to attend childbirth preparation classes away from home. For a fee of $25, receive class information and speak with an OB educator to answer your questions.  A note from your physician or midwife stating that you are on bedrest is required. Call 630-499-2309.

Baby Beeper - Every mom delivering at Rush-Copley can use a free pager to let her support person know when baby is coming.  To reserve your baby beeper, call 630-978-6200.

Now I'm a Sibling - Through fun activities and a tour of the Maternity Unit, youngsters ages 3 to 6 prepare for baby's arrival.  There's information for parents too!

Newborn Care

Baby Care Basics - Parents-to-be can find out what to expect from their newborn's appearance, behaviors and cues.  Learn the skills of baby bathing and handling through "hands-on" practice with newborn-size dolls.

Bringing Home Baby - First time parents join a Rush-Copley Medical Group physician to learn what you'll need to know before you bring your baby home. Tips for choosing the right doctor for your child will also be discussed.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Part I - Prenatal Breastfeeding - Find out about the basic techniques and health benefits of breastfeeding your baby.  Taught by a certified lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding Part II - Breastfeeding Beyond the First Few Weeks - This class covers normal infant growth and development and how it impacts breastfeeding.Topics include growth spurts, sleep patterns, teething, introduction of solids, separation anxiety and much more.  Taught by a certified lactation consultant.

Working & Breastfeeding - Learn how you can continue to breastfeed your baby after returning to work.  A certified lactation consultant and working mom teaches this unique class which covers pumping and storing milk, childcare and more.  Prerequisite: Prenatal Breastfeeding Class or previous breastfeeding experience. 

Feeding Baby - Beyond the First Six Months - This class focuses on feeding the 6-12 month old infant. Topics include when to begin solids, nutritional needs specific to age group, foods to improve immunity, how to make your own baby food, and much more.  Taught by a registered dietician or registered nurse.

Family Education

Me and My Baby - Learn more about caring for your baby and yourself during this four-session program.  Sessions include Feeding Your Baby (making baby food), Healing After Delivery, Crying & Sleeping, and Your Growing Baby.  It's the perfect place to ask questions,share experiences and build friendships that will last for years to come.  Babies younger than 5 months are welcome.  

Child Safety - Keep your child safe.  Taught by a registered nurse and a certified child passenger safety technician, this class focuses on proper car seat installation and seat belt usage.  General safety issues in the home are also covered.  Bring your car seat and car manual if you have one.

Sleepless in Chicago...Helping Your Child Develop a Healthy Sleep Pattern - Good sleep is important to everyone, but especially for children.  Learn why good sleep is so important, normal sleep patterns, how sleep changes as a child grows and as parents what you can do to improve health by getting better sleep.  Taught by a registered nurse.

Infant Massage - Help your baby relax and let go of tension through gentle touch in this two-week class.  Massage benefits include improved circulation, deeper sleep states, improved digestion and feeding tolerance.  Taught by a registered nurse and certified massage therapist.  Babies younger than 6 months are welcome.

Car Seat Safety Check and Child ID - Keeping your child safe in the event of an emergency or accident is vital.  Join Rush-Copley for a free drive-up safety seat check and Child ID.  Child passenger technicians will be inspecting child safety seats for proper use and installation.  

Boot Camp for New Dads - Taught by veteran fathers, this class enables you to step up to the challenge if being a dad and feel confident in caring your your newborn and family.  This interactive workshop covers concerns of being a new dad, support of partner during labor, before and after delivery, basic baby care and safety, hands on diaper changing with a real baby, and much more.  No female over the age of one year will be allowed in the classroom.

Becoming a Grandparent - Learn how to help the new family by having the same information they are taught!  This is a class of "must have" information for the grandparents to be.  Updates include labor and delivery procedures and support, hospital routines, baby care, breath and bottle feeding, safety measures and much more.  Come enjoy learning how to the best grandparent you can be!

From Girl to Young Woman - Puberty can be a confusing time for both mothers and daughters.  Mothers - learn how to communicate more effectively with your daughter.  Daughters - learn how to make sense of the changes during this time.  This is for girls ages 9 to 12 and their moms. 

Resources for You

Postpartum Support Group: Coming Out of the Blues - The birth of a child brings more than just joy.  Sometimes stress and anxiety can complicate the transition to motherhood.  Join other women as they discuss ways to ease into their new role as mother.  For more information, call 630-978-6779, or call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539) to attend our support group.  Meetings are offered every Tuesday at 10 a.m.  A Spanish-speaking interpreter is available upon request.

Share Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Support Group - Coping with a perinatal loss is difficult.  Gain support by joining other families who are experiencing a similar loss through miscarriage, still birth or newborn period.  This support group offers a brief and informative presentation each session on a topic of interest followed by an open forum to ask questions and share experiences, photos and memories.  Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Rush-Copley Healthcare Center, Yorkville.  For more  information, call 630-499-4702. 

Register now for one of these Classes or Programs.