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 Labor and delivery birth center at 510-454-4267 (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

There is a drop-off area at the hospital rotunda entrance in front of the revolving doors. Enter through the revolving doors to the rotunda, which is always open.

After you get settled into the hospital, your partner or support person will need to move your car to the parking lot. There is ample parking available in the west and north parking lots.

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

Take the elevators to the left of the hospital lobby to the third floor. After exiting the elevator, turn right, head down the hallway, and check in at the security desk.

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:

  • interactive TV system where you can watch TV, access the Internet, and order room service
  • free Wi-Fi
  • a pull-out bed for your labor support person
  • a rocking chair

Guests

When you’re in labor, you may have visitors in your room. We will work with you and your family to honor your preferences.

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.
For our deaf patients

We will automatically request an in-person ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter for you as soon as you are admitted. The interpreter will be with you throughout your labor and delivery experience.

After delivery and when you are settled into your private room, a VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) unit will be available for your use so that when nurses, lactation specialists, doctors, and others come in to talk with you, you will have no delays in communication. Then at other times, you can enjoy private family bonding time with your baby.

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 birthday possible.

Learn more about labor and delivery >



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.