Delivering Hospitals

Hi S.,

I delivered at South Suburban and had the best nurses and doctors ever. My doctor held me as I got my epidural, and my nurses were the best. This was my first child and I didn't know what to expect, but the experience that I had there was good enough that I can recommend it to someone else. I also had my childbirth classes there. Nurse Lori was awesome. Best of luck to you!

I also delivered at Palos Community Hospital and had a wonderful experience. They do have a strict policy about visitors. Grandparents and siblings of the baby can come at any time and hold the baby, but do one else. They can only come in during visiting hours and the baby has to be in the nursery. They also make you stay 2 full nights. I was induced on tuesday, delivered on Wednesday and didn't get to home until friday. The nursing staff is so wonderful there and the rooms are all private. If you are expecting any sort of complications, plan to deliver at Christ, but if you are expecting a normal healthy delivery, Palos will be great.

Hi S.,

I have delivered at both Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights. My first was at Christ and my second was at Palos. Both were scheduled C-sections because they were both sideways and never turned. Both hospitals I had a private room. From what I understand Palos only has privates whereas Christ has only a few privates and you are more likely to have a roommate.

Nursing Staff at both hospitals were great! Everyone was super nice.

I did develop a horrible c-section infection at Christ but I really think it was more due to my doctor, at the time, then it was the hospital. Since getting rid of that OB I have heard many horror stories about her.

Palos did have an up on Christ as far as checking in and your labor/delivery nurses. Our nurses met us at the lobby (c-section was scheduled) and brought us up to our room. Once we were in the room they had me change and they brought in their computer to my room and checked me in right there (this happens even if your not scheduled). It was so nice to talk to the nurses about concerns (my biggest being not getting another infection). They got my husband coffee, it was just so nice to be in our room, relaxed, doing all of the bs that comes with checking in to the hospital. My labor/delivery nurses were there the entire time, in the operating room during delivery, and after in my room to check on me and our daughter. They left at the end of their shift, but it was so nice just having that personal one on one contact at the beginning. The delivery room was on the same floor as your room, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but it was nice not being carted around the hospital and up and down elevators.
Christ was nothing like that. You checked in like anyone else would, you had different labor/delivery nurses (that were just in the room when you were wheeled in) then you did on your floor. Granted Christ delivers many more babies than Palos so the nurses are busier and only come in when they have to take vitals or when you call.
Downside to Palos, if there is a problem with the baby once it is born, Palos does not have a nic ICU. The baby will be transfered to Christ and you will still be at Palos. Bottom line Christ is the best hospital to be at if something goes wrong, but Palos is the best hospital to be pampered at.
One more big difference: at Christ the baby can be in your room at any time and any visitor you have in your room can hold the baby. Christ has a gaurd at the elevator when you get off on the floor and he makes sure whomever is on the floor should be on the floor. Palos has no such security. Palos also comes and takes the baby away if there are any vistors in your room besides grandparents or siblings. It doesn't matter if it's your sister, brother whatever, they come and take the baby away and put it in the nursery until that visitor leaves. Then the visitor can only see the baby thru the glass windows of the nursery. I guess that's their security. I did not like falling asleep with the baby in my room because of the lack of security to get on the floor. I felt like anyone that had a pass to get in to the hospital could be on that floor even if they didn't belong there. I made the nurses come and get the baby and put her in the nursery when I felt like I needed to sleep. That was just my own crazines I guess. If I am able to have another & to pick again, I would probably go to Palos because of the one on one contact. But, if my doctor even thought for a second that something could go wrong with me or could be wrong with the baby I would be at Christ for sure. Good luck with your decision. :)

I just wanted to let you know that about three months ago the visiting policy at Palos changed (I am an RN on the OB unit there). Any visitors can come from 10am to 8:30pm and see you and the baby in your room. You are just limited to two extra visitors at a time (outside of the baby's father, siblings and grandparents). I would recommend doing a hospital tour at several places so you can get a better feel for the place. Good luck in your search.