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.

Before coming to the hospital in labor, or any time you think you need to be evaluated in the hospital, call our advice nurse at 1-888-778-5000, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or 1-888-576-6225 (KP ON CALL) after-hours and on weekends.

Arrival

Park in the parking structure adjacent to the hospital. Maternity parking spaces are available on the first level.

You can also park at the hospital entrance in the patient drop-off circle. After you get settled into the hospital, your partner or support person will need to move your car to the parking structure.

Go directly to Labor and delivery on the third floor of the hospital.

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 TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • A pull-out bed for your labor support person
  • A rocking chair

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. Age restrictions may apply during flu season.

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 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 care unit

After your initial skin-to-skin time, you’ll be moved to our Family-centered care unit.

Learn more about what to expect during your stay