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 advice nurse at 650-299-2015 (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

Park in the ground level Parking Lot E (at Walnut St., across from the Emergency Department). Maternity parking spaces are available and identified by signs.

You can also park at the hospital entrance in front of the revolving doors at Marshall Court. As soon as you get settled into the hospital, your partner or support person will need to move your car to Parking Lot E or our Main Parking Garage (at the corner of Maple St. and Veterans Blvd.).

Go directly to Labor and delivery by taking the elevators to the 4th floor of the hospital.

Enter the Labor and delivery and the receptionist will greet you.
English campus map >
Spanish campus map >

Observation

When you arrive at the hospital, your labor pattern and baby will be monitored in a private labor observation room in the Labor and Delivery Department.

You are welcome to have one guest to support you here. 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 flat-screen TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • A pull-out bed for your labor support person
  • A rocking chair
  • A small refrigerator with freezer

Guests

When you’re in labor, you can have up to 4 guests with you in the room, including your partner or labor support person. Children under 12 are limited to your new baby’s siblings and must be accompanied by an adult whose only task is their care.

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 Special care nursery.

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.