Magnificent Multiples
Services | Support | Expertise | Contact Us
Women who are pregnant with more than one baby have very unique needs. A multiple pregnancy requires specialized care, expertise and support. Rush-Copley's Magnificent Multiples program provides comprehensive care and assistance to women who are expecting two or more babies helping make their experience a positive one.
Services
On site Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center
Being pregnant with more than one baby is an exciting and unique event for many women. However, a multiple pregnancy can often have increased risks for complications. Rush-Copley's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center specializes in providing medical care to women who are considered at risk. The center is fully equipped to diagnose and manage maternal and fetal complications that may happen during a multiple pregnancy.
Genetic counseling is also available. Women can meet with a genetics physician to discuss risks of genetic issues due to an existing condition, family history or previous pregnancy.
Level III care for mom and babies
Most multiples are born premature (before 37 weeks). These babies are often small, with low birth weights and may require specialized care to help them help eat, breathe and keep warm. Rush-Copley's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is staffed around the clock by highly skilled experts specializing in the care and treatment of newborns and infants with complex medical conditions.
Co-bedding for multiples
Rush-Copley offers a special service for multiples during their hospital stay called co-bedding. Co-bedding is when your babies share the same crib. Co-bedding offers benefits to babies such as:
- cuddling, which reduces the calories needed to keep warm
- faster weight gain and go home more quickly
- reduced stress by simulating the togetherness experienced while in the womb
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Support
Diet and nutrition
Good nutrition is important with any pregnancy, but it is especially important with a multiple pregnancy. Rush-Copley offers consultations with dietitians to help moms determine their caloric needs and provide recommendations for a healthy diet. Our dietitians also offer information on gestational diabetes and nutrition for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding multiples
Breastfeeding even one baby can be a challenge, but many mothers have successfully nursed twins, triplets, quadruplets and even quintuplets. If you choose to breastfeed, Rush-Copley's Lactation Center is staffed by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) who are available for breastfeeding assistance and education during your hospital stay as well as after you leave.
Resources for moms-to-be
Rush-Copley offers an extensive library of information, including articles, magazines and product catalogs specific to multiples. In addition, every expectant mother of multiples will receive the following:
- two free books, Ready or Not, Here We Come! The Real Experts' Cannot-Live-Without Guide to the First Year with Twins and Ready or Not, There We Go! The Real Experts' Guide to The Toddler Years with Twins, by local author Elizabeth Lyons
- a DVD called, "Together with Baby," which offers activities that parents can do with their babies to stimulate social, emotional and cognitive growth
- a discount on items purchased at www.multiplematters.com.
Rush-Copley also offers tours of the maternity unit as well as prenatal classes, including Preparing for Multiples, a special prenatal class designed especially for those experiencing a multiple pregnancy. To register for a class or tour, call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539) or register online .
Bedrest support and diversional activities
Mothers expecting multiples often require some level of restricted activity for a least a portion of their pregnancy to avoid complications. Rush-Copley offers support for women confined to bed rest to help them through this difficult time, including a Bed Rest Survival Kit and an informational package on childbirth preparation as an alternative to attending classes.
Additional resources:
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Expertise
With a Level III perinatal program and NICU, Rush-Copley has a team of highly skilled experts specializing in the treatment of high-risk pregnancies, including multiple pregnancies and newborns with complex medical conditions. The team includes neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, perinatologists, obstetricians and specially trained nurses.
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Contact Us
For more information about Rush-Copley's Magnificent Multiples Program, call 630-898-6465.
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