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A series in which I share my own experience of birth places around the Chicagoland area plus the data that we have available. There is no one right place to give birth, and the right place for you is the place where you feel safest. In this article I'm going to share about my experiences with the midwife group operating out of Hinsdale, OMG Midwives.
Part 1: Birth Center of Chicago
Part 2: Illinois Masonic
Part 3: Northwestern Prentice
Part 4: Evanston Hospital
Hinsdale Experience
The hospital is on a hill and that means that the ER is several floors lower than the main entrance. It can be disorienting the first couple of times that you visit. There is a garage with free parking. Once you are inside the main lobby, you take the elevators up to the L&D floor. Like many hospitals, whether or not your doula can join you in the triage room with vary greatly depending on who your nurse is. Technically, doulas are allowed, but I have both walked right in to triage and also been fairly aggressively kept out. Once you're admitted, your doula can for sure join you.
One of the quirkiest aspects of Hinsdale is the Christian art and iconography throughout the building. The main lobby has a giant light up cross that is multiple stories tall. I personally find it a little cringe and a little funny, but I also recognize that others might feel anywhere from apathetic to comforted by it. White Jesus in Switzerland with Rhinos and dogs? Bring it on. I enjoy snapping photos and sending them to other doulas without context.
Midwives at Hinsdale
I love the OMG midwives. I've seen them advocate hard for their patients. I had a client who really wanted to avoid all cervical exams. A nurse pushed and pushed for an exam in order for my client to be admitted. The midwives held off until my client's water broke and they could make the argument for admittance without an exam. Another client wanted a very hands off experience. The midwives checked in but mostly stayed out of the room until she yelled, "I'm pushing!" The midwife group is excellent in my humble opinion.
Please note that I have not yet had an LGBTQ+ client give birth here so I cannot speak to the inclusivity of the group in real time during a birth.
Key Statistics & Information
OB and Midwifery-led care, though here I am exclusively recommending midwifery care
Midwives: 391
Primary Cesarean Rate: 11.9%
Number of first time birth-givers who went on to have cesareans
Epidural rate: not reported
Induction rate: not reported
Doula rate: not reported
Waterbirth: not allowed BUT
3 tubs available for hydrotherapy in labor
VBAC success rate: 82%
Rate of intact perineums: 32% (BIG DEAL, FOLKS)
NICU Perinatal Level III
Visitors: must check with unit for up to date information
Services & Amenities
Hinsdale is another location with birth tubs. Just like all the other hospitals in the area, you cannot give birth in the tub. However, I've had many clients spend active labor and transition in the tub and find it very helpful. Nurses seem to have mixed experiences with the tub and as usual the biggest barrier is getting them to fill it up to the bra line for full belly submersion (the depth used in all the research studies that support the use of hydrotherapy). Easy to deal with: you just fill it up more.
The L&D floor has a refreshment area in the hallway that includes a water and ice machine as well as a microwave. There are crackers and packets to make broth. The cafeteria food falls in the "better than any hospital food has the right to be AND also still hospital cafeteria food" category. Personally, I appreciate the salad bar when I need it.
Next Steps
If you are interested in a birth center or home birth but want or need to be in a hospital setting, the Hinsdale midwives might be a good option for you. Note that this is also the transfer hospital for Burr Ridge Birth Center, so if you are a client there, you may want to familiarize yourself with this facility. To make an appointment, call the number listed on the practice page.
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