Your delivery day

Sleeping mother and newborn baby in a hospital bed

No two women experience labor and delivery in quite the same way, but the more you know about what to expect, the more you can focus on what really matters — the joy of meeting your new baby for the very first time. We want to help you prepare for your delivery day, eliminate any surprises, and help you have a safe and positive experience.

Call our delivery advice nurse at 1-866-454-8855 (available 24 hours a day) before coming to the hospital in labor, or any time you think you need to be evaluated in the hospital.

Arrival

Several short-term parking spaces near the Emergency Department (entrance off Piedmont Ave.) and garage entrances (3510 Broadway) have signs for women in labor. Please display the parking pass (in your prenatal packet) while using these spaces. Move your car to a permanent space in the garage within an hour. After your delivery, the garage parking fees are waived by a voucher your hospital nurse can give you.

Go directly to labor and delivery. You can walk or use one of our stackable wheelchairs located at the hospital entrance.

Enter through the automatic sliding doors to the lobby, which is always open.

Take the hospital elevators to the third floor and turn right, and go down the hallway. Your partner or support person will need to stop at the security desk (right outside the elevators on the third floor) to present ID.

Enter the labor and delivery No. 33 family waiting room where the receptionist will greet you.

Observation

When you arrive at the hospital, your and your baby will be assessed in a private labor observation room in the labor and delivery department. When active labor is confirmed, you will be moved down the hall to your private labor room.

More information for friends and family

Admission

Your childbirth preferences plan
Your health and the safety of your baby are always our top priorities. Creating a birth plan is a great way to let your care team know your wishes. It’s not a contract, and you can change your plan at any time. If you haven’t made your birth plan yet, make it now and share it with us at your next appointment.

Learn more about creating a birth plan

Room amenities

Each room in our labor, delivery, and recovery unit includes:

  • a TV with the Get Well Network, a program to order meals, watch TV, enjoy patient education videos, review your care schedule, and more
  • free Wi-Fi
  • a pull-out bed for your labor support person
  • a rocking chair
  • a small refrigerator with freezer


Guest

Kaiser Permanente East Bay has an open visitation policy.

Two people may be with you in your labor and delivery room, as well as in recovery. A sibling is welcome to visit and they would count as one of the two people who can be in your room at any given time. Visitors are welcome to rotate. During an operating room delivery (e.g., C-Section) space only allows for one support person to be with you.

We recommend all visitors be in good health and, other than siblings, visitors must be at least 14 years old. Your baby will be rooming with you during your stay so consider limiting visitors to allow family bonding time and to assure adequate sleep.

More information for friends and family

Photography

You’re welcome to photograph this memorable occasion! Please keep the following in mind:

  • Handheld still photography is welcome.
  • Handheld videotaping is allowed after the baby is born.
  • Floor-mounted tripods are not permitted because they’re a tripping hazard.
Labor

When you have your baby at Kaiser Permanente, you may be surprised at how many people are there to support you — before, during, and after your delivery. We’ll all work together to help give you the happiest, healthiest birth day possible.

Learn more about labor and delivery >

Recovery & Bonding

First few hours after delivery

Our labor, delivery, and recovery rooms are where you and your newborn will spend your first hours together. When your baby is born, your delivery team will come in to make sure he or she is thriving outside the womb. As long as you and your baby are doing well, you’ll stay together for the rest of your time in the hospital.

Little ones who need special care are observed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A neonatologist — a physician trained especially in the medical care of newborn infants – will determine if your baby needs care in our NICU. If this happens, we`ll talk to you about why your baby needs extra care, and make sure you know where your baby will be and what to expect. The Oakland Medical Center has a level 3 NICU and is capable of caring for the most fragile infants.

Family-centered postpartum unit

After your initial skin-to-skin time, you`ll be moved to our Family-Centered Postpartum Unit.

Learn more about what expect during your stay >

Ready to get maternity care?
Find a hospital or care provider near you.

Northern California members:
Visit Your Pregnancy to sign up for prenatal classes, get weekly emails, view and prepare for appointments, and more.

Learn about CenteringPregnancy®, a unique prenatal care program that includes group support with other new moms.