The birth of a child is a special time in a woman’s life. It is also a major medical event. At Lake Forest Hospital, our Waud Family Maternity Center was designed to surround you with comfort and family and support you with experienced doctors and nurses who take care of all your needs, and those of your baby. Our tradition of delivering personalized, compassionate care blends with modern diagnostics and treatment options to ensure you receive the best birthing experience possible. Your obstetrician will partner with you to plan and achieve the birth experience you want. We want you to have the brightest memories as you transition from pregnancy into parenthood.

Set within 160 acres of rolling woods and featuring all-private, individually decorated birthing suites, the family-centered maternity center located in the Hunter Family Center for Women’s Health—radiates warmth, caring and peace of mind. Each birthing suite offers a home-like setting, yet discreetly tucked away are the latest tools for pain management, fetal monitoring and maternal care.

More moms choose us first. They tell us they love the environment, the compassionate and skilled care and the many ways we enhance and personalize the birth experience. We offer restaurant-quality fine dining experience for parents the day their baby is born. And we celebrate your baby’s birth by playing Brahms’ Lullaby throughout the hospital. In fact, we’ve thought of so many ways to make childbirth a gratifying experience, it’s no wonder that more than 2,000 babies are born here each year.

In addition to our personal services, Lake Forest Hospital features state-of-the-art resources for testing and treatment throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Our sophisticated diagnostic capabilities and advanced monitoring identify your baby’s development, and can identify unexpected issues.

If complications arise, we have the experts on staff—Lake Forest was one of the first hospitals in Lake County with on-site perinatologists (obstetricians with advanced training for higher-risk pregnancies). These doctors provide expert care for maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. At all times, neonatologists are on-site to step in if we detect an issue during your baby’s prenatal development or for babies born premature. Additionally, a pediatric hospitalist from Children’s Memorial Hospital is on-duty 24 hours, seven days a week, to assist the perinatologists with high-risk births including C-sections or birth of “multiples” (twins or triplets). If your newborn requires surgery, intensive care, diagnostic imaging or other special services, the pediatric hospitalist will coordinate services and assist as needed. Our Level II+ Special Care Nursery is certified for extended capabilities to address the needs of infants who require more specialized attention in their first few days.

Maternity Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (847) 535-6153. For Labor and Delivery, call (847) 535-6162.

Lactation Services—If you choose to breastfeed your baby, we can provide education and support. Our comprehensive breastfeeding services include a one-on-one meeting with a lactation consultant, breast pump rentals, nursing bra fittings and more. We even offer a lactation hotline, where we can address any breastfeeding questions and concerns you may have. To schedule an appointment with an International Board Certified Lactation consultant, please call (847) 535-6262.

Pediatricians—With more than 60 pediatric specialists at the hospital, we have the right physician to care for your child from infancy through adolescence. Search our Find a Physican tool, or ask your obstetrician for recommendations.

Newborn Hotline
Help is only a phone call away. Call 847-535-6161, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk to a registered nurse with any questions or concerns about your new baby (up to 6-weeks).

Pediatricians—With more than 60 pediatric specialists at the hospital, we have the right physician to care for your child from infancy through adolescence. Search our Find a Physician tool, or ask your obstetrician for recommendations.

Educational Programs
Lake Forest Hospital offers a wide variety of educational programs and services to help you and your family prepare for and welcome a new baby into your lives.

For class registration, program specifics or additional information, please contact the Childbirth Education Line at (847) 535.6182 or by email at childbirthed@lfh.org. Also, visit our Maternity Classes section.