Having a baby is one of life's most memorable events. The decision of where to give birth is an important one. At Forest Park Hospital, we want to make your maternity experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, starting with prenatal classes and continuing through your hospital discharge. We hope the information here will answer the questions you may have about our maternity facilities, and that you will find that Forest Park Hospital can be a GREAT place to have your baby!

Admission Procedures and Parking
After you have notified your doctor and it is time for you to come to the hospital, have your support person take you to the Emergency Room entrance located on the south side of the hospital on Berthold Avenue. The Admitting staff will escort you to our Labor/Delivery Department. Short-term parking is available across from the Emergency Room. There is parking allowed on the street at appropriately marked locations, and a parking garage for visitors is located on the east side of the hospital for $1.00.

Pain Management
We realize that pain management during labor and delivery is an important topic for all those approaching the childbirth experience. We believe that all expectant parents have the right to know their options when deciding about medications and anesthesia, including epidural anesthesia. Our Prepared Childbirth Classes offer this information in a relaxed, friendly environment, and are taught by registered nurses who specialize in helping expectant parents make an educated choice that is right for them. We encourage anyone considering pain relief in labor to attend our childbirth classes.

Educational Opportunities
We realize that a woman and her family who are well prepared may have a more satisfying and rewarding childbirth experience. For that reason, our classes are offered at convenient times and are held in a comfortable, relaxed environment for learning. Classes are offered free of charge and are taught by registered nurses who specialize in maternity/newborn nursing and childbirth education. Educational opportunities are available not only before delivery, but also after delivery when infant care and postpartum issues are the focus. We offer a variety of information on infant care, safety, postpartum and discharge procedures to each mother and her family before she is discharged from the hospital.

Childbirth Preparation Classes
Forest Park Hospital offers special Childbirth Preparation Classes for our mothers and their partners who want to be well prepared. Classes are offered on:

• Mondays, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (4 week class) 
• Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m (4 week class) 
• Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (2 week class)

Moms and their partners or support persons are encouraged to attend.  These informative classes cover:

• Physical and Emotional Changes 
• Baby's Growth and Development 
• Exercise 
• Prenatal Nutrition 
• Sexuality 
• Relaxation Techniques for Labor 
• Stages of Labor 
• Medications and Anesthesia 
• Early Postpartum 
• Breastfeeding/Infant Nutrition 
• Tour of Maternity Department

Call (314) 768-3333 to register for classes.