Questions and Answers For Expectant Parents
What makes the Labor and Delivery Unit special at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital?
Our Labor and Delivery Unit was designed with your privacy and comfort in mind. We have 10 private L-D-R (Labor-Delivery-Recovery) suites with private bathrooms, shower, telephone, television and most rooms have a daybed for your partner. The unit also has special rooms for high-risk patients and three surgical suites. The Labor and Delivery Unit is a comprehensive birthing center. The direct phone number for the Labor and Delivery Unit is (650) 723-5403.
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What is pre-admitting and when should I do it?
Our Admitting Department asks expectant parents to complete and return pre-admission forms four to six weeks before the expected due date. Pre-admission packets can be picked up at the Admitting desk or mailed to you by calling (650) 497-8229. The Admitting Department is open 24 hours a day.
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Where should we go when we arrive at the hospital in labor?
Come to the front entrance of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at 725 Welch Road. An escort will be paged if you need assistance to Labor and Delivery. If the birth seems imminent, however, please go directly to the Stanford Hospital Emergency Room on Quarry Road, between Welch Road and Campus Drive. Your physician will inform you whether to call their office or call Labor and Delivery (650-723-5403) when you are in labor.
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What anesthesia options are available?
Several options are available. Anytime during your labor, an anesthesiologist can discuss pain relief options with you. Anesthesia is available 24 hours a day.
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Who may attend my birth?
You may have as many as three support people with you in the Labor and Delivery area. If you have an older child who you would like to have present at the birth, please plan to have a separate support person for the child. Johnson Center physicians and staff residents attend the births of private physicians' patients only when requested on a consultation basis or in an emergency situation.
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What types of nursery arrangements are available?
We have several levels of nursery care: the Newborn Nursery, the Intermediate Intensive Care Nursery (IICN) or Level II Nursery, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery (NICU) or Level III Nursery. In addition, we have a Special Care Nursery for babies who may need a little extra medical/nursing care soon after delivery before going to the Newborn Nursery. We also have satellite nurseries at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, Washington Hospital in Fremont and Watsonville Community Hospital.
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What are the post-partum room arrangements?
We have two floors, F1 and F2, in our Maternity Unit, each with 10 private and eight semi-private rooms. Generally, a new mother's stay is 48 hours after a vaginal birth and 96 hours after a cesarean birth. You may wish to consult in advance with your insurance carrier to learn what type of rooming coverage you have available.
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Can my baby stay in the room with me?
Yes. We offer couplet care which means that your baby stays in the room with you in the maternity unit.
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What is the visiting policy?
Visitors are welcome. Visiting hours on the maternity unit are 12–8 pm daily. Partners are welcome anytime. We ask that visitors observe a 2–4 pm "quiet time" each day so new mothers can rest. Siblings who are free of infection or exposure to communicable diseases may visit the mother's room during visiting hours. We require that children under the age of 12 who are not siblings refrain from visiting during your postpartum stay.
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What should I bring with me to the hospital?
The most important thing to bring with you is an approved infant car seat, properly installed in your car. You will also want to bring a going-home outfit for the baby and perhaps a receiving blanket for extra warmth. The hospital will provide whatever is needed for the baby during your hospital stay, i.e. diapers, t-shirts, blankets.
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Is there anything specifically not allowed in the hospital?
Candles and latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital.
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Does the hospital encourage breastfeeding?
Yes. If it is your choice to breastfeed, our hospital staff is well trained to help you get started. Should you have a special need, lactation consultants are available during your hospital stay.
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Where can I take classes?
The Becoming Parents Program at the Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services is designed to help new and experienced parents prepare for childbirth. There are a variety of classes offered for both before and after the birth of your child. If you need help deciding which classes are right for you, we can help. Visit our Web site at www.birthclasses.lpch.org or call us at (650) 723-4600.
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