Support Before Baby Arrives

The New Family Center offers consultation to expecting families starting the day you know you’re pregnant. We provide practical, organizational information, and we’ll empower you to make the best decisions for you and your family.

• Schedule a personal tour of the New Family Center
• Attend a free prenatal classes
• Ask questions about what to expect—from pregnancy through your hospital stay and beyond—to help you gain confidence with parenting skills
• Assistance in selecting a breast pump, if needed

Prenatal Classes

To help you prepare for your childbirth experience, we offer a variety of family-centered classes. Classes cover topics such as childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, baby care basics, and more. We recommend registering by the fifth month of your pregnancy. Classes are offered at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Please call 847-908-5689 ext. 5218 to register for a class.

Please note, class sizes will be kept to a minimum, pre-registration is required. Additionally, participants will be temperature screened upon entry and must wear a mask at all times.

Breastfeeding & Pumping Basics

Learn the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get off to a good start, tips for working mothers and information about pumping, including how to select a breast pump. A support person is welcome to attend. Includes a tour of the New Family Center. Please call 847-360-4333 ext. 5218 to register for this class.

Understanding Your Newborn

This class prepares parents for newborn care with information about swaddling, diapering, bathing, burping, comfort techniques and infant safety. Includes a tour of the New Family Center. Please call 847-360-4333 ext. 5218 to register for this class.

Childbirth Preparation

This 2.5-hour class helps parents get ready for their new baby with information about labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, cesarean section and postpartum care. Includes a tour of the New Family Center. Please call 847-360-4333 ext. 5218 to register for this class.

Support After Baby Arrives

At Vista, caring for you continues after your baby is born. After the months of planning and preparation are over, you both deserve some rest. At Vista, we encourage mom and baby to room together. We offer you and your new family an hour of quiet time immediately following delivery so you can bond, nurse and celebrate with your little bundle of joy.

Anyone is welcome to visit, but when a new mother wants and needs rest, a team members will kindly explain that she’s requested some time alone. We encourage extended family and friends to call ahead and ask the nurses for a convenient time to make a brief visit.

Access to Certified Lactation Consultants

Vista’s certified lactation consultants are specially trained to help enhance your breastfeeding experience. While you’re in the hospital you’ll be paired with a consultants who will review your concerns, observe you and your baby during feeding and offer guidance on how to get the most out of breastfeeding.