What makes the Sequoia Hospital Birth Center special?
Our home-like Birth Center encourages togetherness of the entire family. Sequoia's technically-advanced facility offers 24-hour anesthesia coverage and an onsite neonatal ICU, the Lucile Packard Special Care Nursery. Most moms who deliver at Sequoia remain in the very same private room for their entire stay-from labor until they go home with their newborns. Sequoia has been voted a Family Favorite "Best Hospital" by readers of Bay Area Parent magazine for the San Francisco region. Over 2,200 readers voted us "Best Hospital" over all other hospitals in the Bay Area.
What is pre-registration and when should I do it?
Pre-registration for your hospital stay is available. By completing the pre-admission form on the Admitting/Registration page within 48 hours prior to your hospital stay, you can save time and be better prepared for your visit at our facility. Financial advisors will verify your benefits during with pre-registration and call you to explain your billing process. You may also visit our online Billing Office.
Where should we go when we arrive at the hospital in labor?
ll entrances to the hospital are open from 5:00 am - 11:30 pm. There is valet parking at the entrance Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. If you arrive after 11:30 pm, please enter through the Emergency Department.
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.
What types of nursery arrangements are available?
Chances are, your baby will be perfect in every way. But if your baby is premature or requires intensive care, your newborn will be cared for on site. The Lucile Packard Special Care Nursery is a level II neonatal intensive care unit located within the Sequoia Birth Center. Staffed by nurses from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, our level II designation means we have the expertise and equipment to care for high-risk babies.
What are the post-partum room arrangements?
Most moms who deliver at Sequoia remain in the very same private room for their entire stay-from labor until they go home with their newborns. Healthy babies are cared for right in the home-like room and stay with their new families as much as desired. Each room is equipped with delivery and neonatal resuscitation equipment. Though the ideal scenario is for mom and baby to spend entire stay from labor through discharge in same room there are times when this is not possible. The hospital must keep some Labor/Delivery/Recover/Postpartum suites available for incoming women in labor. Therefore a patient who has had her baby may be moved to a postpartum room in order to make a Labor/Delivery/Postpartum/Delivery suite available for a mom in labor.
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.
What is the visiting policy?
Birth Center visiting hours is 10:30 am – 8:30 pm. Please limit visitors to four people at a time. All visitors must wash or gel their hands before and after visiting patients. If you have a fever AND cough please do not visit.
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.
Does the hospital encourage breastfeeding?
Yes. If it is your choice to breastfeed, our hospital staff is well trained to help you get started. Lactation consultants are available during your hospital stay.
Where can I take classes?
Sequoia Hospital Health & Wellness Center offers a variety of pre-and-post natal classes, designed to help new and experienced parents prepare for childbirth and parenthood. For a listing as well as to register for our classes and Labor and Delivery Tours, please visit the Classes and Events page. Please feel free to call (650) 368-BABY, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
