Your Pregnancy Resources
Everything you need from your first visit through baby's arrival — all in one place.
Remarkable Care. Right Where You Live.
Welcome & Congratulations!
You've chosen Riverside for one of life's biggest moments, and we're honored to be part of your journey. This page brings together everything you need from your first prenatal visit through baby's first days at home. Bookmark it on your phone — you'll come back to it often.
Save These Numbers
Tap any number to call. Keep these handy throughout your pregnancy journey.
Step 1
Your Pregnancy Care Team
You'll see your designated provider at Riverside Women's Health Specialists for your prenatal visits. That means personalized care from someone who knows your story.
When delivery day comes, the provider on call will be there to support you. Our on-call schedule rotates among all of our providers, so you may be cared for by your own provider or a colleague who has been kept up to speed on your plan. If you have a planned induction, you may be able to schedule it with your specific provider.
Curious about each step of your prenatal journey? Learn more about Care Through Pregnancy. If your pregnancy is considered higher risk, read about our specialty support for High-Risk Pregnancy Care.
Step 2
Prepare for Birth
The more confident you feel, the more you can focus on the joy of meeting your baby. Riverside offers classes, hospital tours, and birth-plan tools to help you get ready.
Childbirth Classes
Our classes are taught by Riverside nurses, lactation consultants, and educators. Most are best taken in your early third trimester.
Best Beginnings: Preparing for Childbirth
What to expect during labor, delivery, and the first weeks after baby arrives.
Prenatal Breastfeeding
Practical tips from a certified lactation consultant. Open to your support partner too.
Baby Care Basics
Bathing, diapering, swaddling, safe sleep, and car seat safety. Open to grandparents, siblings 13+, and other caregivers.
Super Sibling
For older brothers and sisters ages 3–10. Fun activities and age-appropriate lessons about welcoming the new baby.
See all childbirth classes and resources →
Tour the Family Birthing Center
Take a free tour of our birthing suites. It's a great way to feel comfortable with the space, meet our team, and ask any questions about your big day.
Schedule a Tour Call (815) 935-7511
Build Your Birth Plan
A birth plan helps you share your preferences with your care team while keeping room for the unexpected. Start with the guide, then bring a draft of the template to your next prenatal visit so you can review it together.
Step 3
Your Hospital Stay
The Family Birthing Center at Riverside is designed to feel like a calm, welcoming space — not a clinical one. Our combination of advanced technology, experienced nurses, and home-like birth suites lets you focus on welcoming your baby.
What's Included With Every Birth at Riverside
- Continuous nursing care during labor
- Immediate skin-to-skin bonding at delivery
- Delayed cord clamping
- Wireless fetal monitoring so you can move freely
- Multiple pain-management options — including natural support, shower, IV medication, and epidural
- Lactation support from board-certified consultants
- Pediatric specialists on site 24/7 from University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's
- A complimentary meal tray for one support person throughout your stay
Explore the Family Birthing Center →
Visitors and Support People
You can have 2–3 support people with you during labor and delivery, including a doula. For C-sections, one support person is welcome in the operating room. Children under 18 are not permitted in the labor and delivery rooms.
Capture the Moment with Fresh 48 Newborn Photography
We've partnered with Mila Mae Photography to offer professional newborn photos during your hospital stay. Fresh 48 captures those precious early moments of your baby and family in the calm of your birth suite. Your first 3 images are included with your hospital stay; additional images are available to purchase.
Questions? Call Mila Mae Photography at (630) 390-4394.
Step 4
After Baby Arrives
The first weeks at home are an exciting blur. Riverside is here for both of you — for healing, for feeding, for sleep questions, and for the happy ones too.
Breastfeeding Support
Certified lactation consultants are available for inpatient and outpatient help.
On-Site Pediatric Care
Pediatric hospitalists from Comer Children's are at Riverside 24/7.
Choose a Pediatrician Before Baby Arrives
Many parents pick a pediatrician during the third trimester. You can schedule a free 15-minute meet-and-greet with one of Riverside's pediatricians to find the right fit for your family.
Pediatric Specialists – Bourbonnais
300 Riverside Drive, Suite 2400
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Pediatric Specialists – Bradley
400 S. Kennedy Drive, Suite 900
Bradley, IL 60915
View all Riverside pediatricians →
Share Your News in the Online Nursery
The Online Nursery lets you share your baby's first photos with friends and family for free.
Quick References
Helpful Tools and Quick References
Bookmark these for the questions that come up between appointments.
Safe Over-the-Counter Medications During Pregnancy
Always call your provider first. The lists below are general guidance for common symptoms. Before taking any medication not shown here — or if you have questions about your specific situation — call Riverside Women's Health Specialists at (815) 935-4651.
What's safe to take during pregnancy
Allergies
- Benadryl (at night)
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
Cold
- Benadryl (at bedtime)
- Claritin (during the day)
- Zyrtec (during the day)
Cough
Anything without alcohol or ephedrine, including:
- Halls cough drops
- Robitussin DM
Constipation
- FiberCon
- Metamucil
- Miralax
Diarrhea
Do not take medication. Stay hydrated and call our office if symptoms continue.
Heartburn
- Maalox
- Mylanta, Tums, or Rolaids XS
- Pepcid or Prevacid (only if Maalox or Tums don't help)
Hemorrhoids
- Anusol Suppositories
- Preparation H
Headache or sinus pain
- Tylenol Extra Strength
- Tylenol PM
Yeast infection
- Monistat 7
While breastfeeding
- Claritin or Zyrtec
- Robitussin
For sore or cracked nipples and skin irritation
Cracked nipples
- Lansinoh
- Lanolin
Vaginal irritation
- Aveeno, Ivory, or Neutrogena soap
What to avoid during pregnancy
Please do not take any of the following without first speaking with your Riverside provider:
- Aspirin (unless your doctor has recommended it)
- MMR vaccine
- Sudafed
- Pneumococcal vaccine
Listen to the Well Within Reach Podcast
Our podcast features Riverside experts on pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and the early weeks at home. Listen during a walk, on the drive, or while you fold the tiny laundry.
Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep
Riverside is a nationally certified gold-level safe sleep leader. Always put your baby to sleep:
- Alone — no loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals
- On their Back — never on the stomach or side
- In a Crib that meets current safety standards
Visit the Safe to Sleep website for more information.
Ready to Schedule Your Next Visit?
Call Riverside Women's Health Specialists or sign in to MyChart to request an appointment.
About this page: The information here is general guidance for Riverside patients and their families. Your care team knows your individual situation best. Always contact Riverside Women's Health Specialists at (815) 935-4651 with questions about your pregnancy, your medications, or any new symptoms. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.