Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/827730
"We understand that the birth of a new baby is one of the most important events in your family's life, and we are dedicated to providing the attentive, compassionate care that every family deserves." —Paula Hobson, MD, OB/GYN at Northwestern Medicine KishHealth Physician Group, DeKalb A "SUITE" EACH MATERNITY SUITE features a private bathroom, warm décor, Internet access, and cable television. But that's not all—the maternity floor team also uses advanced technology to ensure a safe experience. For example, physicians may offer intermittent maternal- fetal monitoring or use a wireless monitor to keep an eye on the vital signs of moms and babies. Both methods offer women the freedom to move during labor, which may relieve discomfort. "Depending on where the contractions begin, women may have more pain in the front of their abdomen or in their back," says Oluwakemi Edokpayi, MD, OB/GYN at Northwestern Medicine KishHealth Physician Group in DeKalb. "Moving around doesn't make the pain go away, but it distributes the pain in a way that's more tolerable." Following birth, each baby receives a Hugs Infant Protection anklet with sensors that alert the team if a child is carried off the maternity floor. Building on the boutique ambiance, moms can also choose to have a photography session to commemorate their family's special event or ask for an in-room massage to ease any lingering aches and pains. To find a Northwestern Medicine KishHealth Physician Group OB/GYN, visit kishhealth.org/doctors. Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting, intimate event. That's why the maternity suites at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals offer families the privacy and comforts of home. Arrival "I can say from personal experience that the care provided at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is excellent," Dr. Edokpayi says. "We are always looking for ways to improve our patients' experience and strive to provide only the very best to women and their families." 2 CANCER CENTER OUR MISSION WELLNESS CLASSES & PROGRAMS Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth Foundation, part of Northwestern Medicine, at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are gener- ally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. We are an organization of caregivers who aspire to consistently provide high quality care, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction. We seek to improve the health of the communities we serve by delivering a broad range of services with sensitivity to the individual needs of our patients and their families. We are bonded in an essential academic and service relationship with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The quality of our services is enhanced through their integration with education and research in an environment that encourages excellence of practice, critical inquiry and learning.