irst Impressions

First Impressions, the area's first choice for childbirth, is truly a family birthing center, ensuring cherished memories for mom and dad, grandparents and siblings, too. Here, your first impressions will be lasting, because we go beyond your expectations to ensure that the birth of your baby is a safe, comfortable, joyful event.

In partnership with your doctor, First Impressions offers comprehensive care that begins at your first prenatal appointment, and continues throughout your pregnancy. Highly skilled KCH nurses and staff provide a wealth of experience that supports you every step of the way during your baby's birth.

KCH continues to offer support services for you and your family even after you bring your baby home. First Impressions Family Birthing Center is recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a Level II maternity center. This means our staff has the expertise to care for moms who need extended hospitalization and for newborns who have complications or other special needs.

A “Suite” Experience

You will feel cared for every minute during your stay in one of our LDRP suites, where you will Labor, Deliver, Recover and receive Post delivery care all in one private room. Not all hospitals can offer and maintain the LDRP experience for your entire stay. At KCH, LDRP suites are the standard for every birth. You will savor your privacy while receiving experienced clinical expertise and highly personalized attention, supported by up-to-date techniques and equipment.

Safety and Security

Our electronic security system safeguards your baby. We make sure every baby goes home in a safe and properly installed car seat. Resources are available through DeKalb County Safe Kids to instruct parents on child passenger safety and to help parents in financial need acquire a car seat.

Comfort

Your comfort is a priority. You may discuss pain management plans with your physician and nurse. Epidural pain relief is available as well as other comfort measures such as our hydrotherapy tub, massages, medication, and our popular rice heating pads that provide warm, soothing comfort where you need it. You will take comfort in the expertise of nurses with years of accumulated knowledge, experience and advanced training, who are available to offer support every step of the way.

Medical Staff and Nurses

The First Impression’s medical staff includes doctors board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, or pediatrics, who have independent practices in the community. Our staff of registered nurses represent more than 500 years of experience in maternity nursing. Many have advanced certification in obstetrical nursing and lactation counseling. All staff involved with deliveries are certified as neonatal resuscitation providers.

Preparing You for Childbirth and Baby Care

You can begin your preparation by taking our two-hour class, “Are You Ready for Baby?” where the physical, emotional and financial aspects of becoming parents for the first time are discussed. Upon your first pre-natal visit, your doctor and KCH become partners in your continuing education. You will receive information about pre-natal care and a schedule of our comprehensive Childbirth and Baby Care classes. By registering early, you have a better chance of getting your first choice of dates. You can also find the class schedule and register online.

These Classes Include:

• Healthy Pregnancy
• Lamaze and Lamaze Refresher
• Cesarean Birth
• Breastfeeding Class
• Sibling Class
• New Baby Care
• Infant Massage
• Bedside Instruction

Once your baby is born, you will receive one-on-one instruction on caring for yourself and your baby.

Topics include:

• Feeding
• Diapering
• Bathing
• Nutrition
• Safety
• Normal newborn characteristics
• Post partum care

You will also go home with a baby care video, a post partum book, and information about caring for yourself and your baby during the first year.

Newborn Testing

KCH and Northern Illinois University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic paved the way for the law that now requires all newborns to be screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. The law went into effect on December 31, 2002, but KCH newborns have been benefiting from NIU’s hearing screening services since 1981. All newborns also receive a neonatal screening that tests for several rare and serious disorders.

Breastfeeding Services

Breastfeeding enhances the bonding between mother and child and provides a number of health benefits for you and your baby. Our nursing staff follows the guidelines of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses and the World Health Organization by encouraging mothers to breastfeed. Certified breastfeeding counselors offer support as the feeding routine is established. Breastfeeding supplies are available for purchase, and if needed, breast pumps are available for rental or purchase. Breastfeeding classes are taught by our counselors. We recommend that first-time moms attend one of these classes to prepare for a successful breastfeeding experience.

Infant Massage

At your request, a certified KCH massage therapist can visit your room for instruction on infant massage, or you and your baby may return to the hospital later for an infant massage class. Infant massage provides a positive parent-infant bonding experience. Other benefits include reducing colic, inducing sleep, aiding in motor development, and stimulating tactile sensation and visual response.

Your First Baby Gift

KCH and local businesses want to be among the first to congratulate you on your new arrival and have contributed to a special Gift Pack for you to take home.

Home Visits

This optional service is offered to all mothers through our partnership with the DeKalb County Health Department. With your permission, a registered nurse will visit you and your baby at home within 72 hours after you leave the hospital. The nurse will measure and weigh the baby, offer breastfeeding support, and answer your questions. Highly recommended for first-time and breastfeeding moms.

Emergency Care

The KCH Emergency Department is Approved for Pediatrics by the state of Illinois. This designation recognizes the clinical expertise of the staff and the availability of pediatric equipment and supplies.

As Your Family Grows

KCH offers further support for your new or growing family with a babysitting class ideal for older siblings. Our Sick Service for Tots and Teens is a child care service for working parents whose children (ages 2 months–14 years) are ill.

For information about the babysitting class, call HealthMatters at (815) 756-1521 or (800) 397-1521, Ext. 154000.

For information about Sick Service for Tots and Teens, call the KCH Family Centre at (815) 756-1521 or (800) 397-1521, Ext.153435. Pre-registration is required to access this service.

Contact Us For More

Our Healthline Physician Referral service can assist you with finding a doctor to meet your needs. Call (815) 756-1521, Ext. 2974. For a tour of the Maternity Suites at KCH or more information, call (815) 756-1521 or (800) 397-1521, Ext. 153471.