During your stay

Meals and snacks

Meals and snacks are provided during your stay — please let us know if you are hungry between meal times. For the convenience of your visitors, the cafeteria and vending machines are located on the first floor.

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 to take photos of your baby. 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 reason for your newborn to be in the Well- Baby Nursery.

All Kaiser Permanente employees wear badges with their name, title, and photograph. Hospital employees with privileges to care for newborns have a green stripe along the bottom of their badge. Only allow staff with this green 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.

Learn more about breastfeeding >

Support for successful breastfeeding:

• Our Breastfeeding 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.

• 24-hour breastfeeding advice line: Vallejo: 707.651.5582; Vacaville: 707-624-3826