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 707-651-1325 (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

Maternity parking spaces are available in front of the hospital, and near the entrance to the Emergency department for easy access when you arrive. You can also park at the main hospital entrance in front of the revolving doors. After you get settled into the hospital, your partner or support person will need to move your car to one of the member parking lots located at the front of the hospital, or near the rear of the building near the Emergency department.

Go directly to the Family birth center You can walk or use one of our stackable wheelchairs located at the hospital or Emergency department entrances.

Enter through the revolving doors to the rotunda or the Emergency department, which are always open.

Follow the signs to the main hospital lobby and take the elevator to the third floor. You will exit the elevator and turn to the right. The Family birth center is located at the end of the hallway.    

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 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
  • A DVD player
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • A sleeping couch for your labor support person
  • A rocking chair
  • A small refrigerator

Guests

When you’re in labor, you can have up to 5 guests with you in the room, including your partner or labor support person. Children under 13 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 check with hospital staff to learn more about the policies on cameras and video equipment, and keep the following in mind:

  • Handheld still photography is welcome.
  • Handheld videotaping is allowed after the baby is born.
  • For safety reasons, floor-mounted tripods and artificial lighting are not permitted.
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 pediatrician trained especially in newborn care — will come to your room and 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.

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 to 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.