During your stay

Rooming in

Research shows that babies who stay in the same room as their mothers adjust better, and new moms rest and recover better. We keep your baby with you as much as possible throughout your stay, so you can bond and learn to recognize your baby’s needs.

Hand-washing

As your new baby’s immune system develops, hand-washing is an important way to prevent infection. Protect your newborn by asking visitors to wash their hands before touching your baby. If anyone is sick — even mildly — ask them not to visit until they are feeling better.

Newborn photos

A photographer is available for hire to take photos of your baby, from birth and after you go home. Ask your nurse for more information.

Newborn security

Your baby’s security is important to us. Never leave your baby unattended. If you need to be away from your baby for any reason, let your nurse know so we can make sure your little one is safely cared for.

After your baby is born, you, your baby, and your partner will receive matching wrist bands. A wireless radio frequency band will be placed on your baby’s ankle to make sure he or she remains in the mother-baby unit, which is also equipped with security cameras.

Your baby will stay with you in your room unless there is a medical reason for your newborn to be in the NICU.

All Kaiser Permanente employees wear badges with their name, title, and photograph. Hospital employees with privileges to care for newborns have a pink stripe along the bottom of their badge. Only allow staff with this pink stripe to take your baby from your room for any reason.

If you’re ever uncomfortable with the person who is asking to take your baby from you, use your nurse call button to ask for an additional staff member to confirm the request.

Newborn screenings

All newborns undergo painless cardiac and hearing screening tests. The hearing test is performed by a newborn hearing screening technician and the cardiac test, which looks at your baby’s heart health, will be performed by your nurse. These tests will be done in the postpartum unit before you go home.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is nature’s perfect first food, and breastfeeding can enhance the bond between you and your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding through the first year of life. Our nurses and lactation consultants will provide you with breastfeeding techniques to help your baby start breastfeeding before leaving the hospital.

Learn more about breastfeeding >

Breastfeeding support for you and your baby

After you leave the hospital, breastfeeding support is available 24/7. Our nurses can answer your questions and refer you for additional help if needed. Call 408-362-4740.

Newborn care center – San Jose

Lactation specialists are available for one-on-one support by appointment. By appointment: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 408-362-4740.

Lactation support – Gilroy

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment. Call 408-362-4740.

Breastfeeding support group – San Jose

New moms and their babies can share ideas and make new friends at this weekly support group facilitated by a lactation educator. Bring your breastfeeding concerns or questions. Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Family Health Center, 3rd floor.

Breastfeeding support group – Gilroy

Tuesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Located in the conference rooms. No fee. Kaiser Permanente members only.

Breastfeeding pump rentals – San Jose

Find breast pumps available to rent through the Pediatric Department. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

•  Location: 276 International Circle, Family Health Center, 1st floor.

•  Call 408-972-6905 for more information.
  

The “Breastfeeding with Success” class will help you learn about breastfeeding positions, milk supply, preventing and managing pain, pumping, milk storage, and working while breastfeeding.

• We encourage skin-to-skin contact, which triggers healthy baby behaviors. It helps your little one stay warm on their own, breathe on their own, and learn to nurse.

• All of our labor and delivery and postpartum nurses are trained breastfeeding specialists. We also have a team of internationally board-certified lactation consultants at our hospitals and outpatient breastfeeding clinics.
  

Gilroy Medical Offices – TLC
7520 Arroyo Circle
Gilroy, CA 95020
Get directions
Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Call 408-848-4690 for more information

We offer

• Breastfeeding Support:

• One-on-one

• By phone, 24/7

• Groups

• Breast pump rentals and other supplies

• Online programs and tools at kp.org/mydoctor

• Get to know and stay connected with your child’s doctor

• Get personalized information about your care
  

Additional services

• Peripartum Emotional Health Support Services: In this ongoing weekly series, you’ll learn about depression and anxiety during and following pregnancy. Each Tuesday, 10 to 11:30am, beginning October 27. No fees. Babies under 1 year old are welcome. For more information, or to register, call 1-408-972-3340.

• Online! Healthy Beginnings Online Newsletter: Tips and resources to help you through your baby’s first year. Subscribe to this free newsletter through your ob-gyn provider’s home page at kp.org/mydoctor

Lactation consultants

If you need additional support, a lactation consultant will come to help you while you’re in the hospital. Lactation consultants are also available after you go home. Call our Newborn Clinic below for an appointment.

Leaving the hospital
After you have your baby, you’ll be seen daily by a midwife or obstetrician who will care for you during recovery and help determine when you’re ready to go home. The length of your hospital stay will depend on a variety of factors.

If you have a vaginal birth, you may be ready to go home when your baby is 1 day old. If you have a cesarean birth, you’ll need to stay a bit longer.

A board posted in your room lists all the things that need to happen before you’re discharged. On the day you leave the hospital, we’ll try to complete the discharge process in the morning so you can get home and settled in for that first night on your own with baby.

Secure checkout
When you’re ready to leave, your support person should bring the car up to the front of the hospital where you may have entered in labor. A staff member will wheel you and your baby downstairs after you’ve gone through our secure checkout.

Car seat
California law requires that you take your baby home in a car seat. Our staff is not licensed to assist or direct you with car seat usage or installation, so we encourage you to take our “Infant Safety and CPR” program before your baby is born. It also helps to have your car seat installed a few weeks before your baby is due.

If your baby was born before 37 weeks, we’ll conduct a car seat challenge test. This test is done before you’re discharged and checks your baby’s breathing while in the car seat. It does not check the proper installation of your car seat.

Car seat installation resources
Always read and follow the car seat instructions, as well as your vehicle seat belt instructions. You can find guidelines for safe car seat installation online. You can also call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK (1-866-732-8243), or go to seatcheck.org to find a seat-inspection location certified by the National Transportation Safety Board.