Birthing Facilities: Two Choices for Your Family
UCSD Labor & Delivery Unit
The Conventional Method
Our maternity suites are spacious and well-appointed, a private and relaxing environment where the entire family can welcome your new arrival. We recently added five state-of-the-art birthing rooms and a new waiting room and reception area.
Your recovery period will be spent in a quiet environment where specialized nurses care for mothers and new babies.
So you and your baby can bond, we encourage "rooming-in" and care for you and your baby together in your room, 24 hours a day. Semi-private and private rooms are available. Either way you'll have ample space in your room for Dad, your partner, or a special someone to remain close at hand.
UCSD Birth Center
A Place More Like Home...
Our Birth Center offers a safe and relaxed alternative to the conventional hospital birthing environment. The only place of its kind in San Diego, the Birth Center enables you to have a natural birth experience -- with minimal medical intervention -- within a hospital setting. Here, we support the personal experience desired by many women, with care provided by a nationally recognized team of Certified Nurse Midwives. Facilities include four spacious birthing suites with double and queen size beds and rocking chairs, and tubs.
You'll have a variety of choices to help you give birth with little or no pain medication, with techniques including hydrotherapy (water tub or shower), birthing balls and stools, massage, walking, breathing and more. If necessary, the option of transferring to the Medical Center's Labor & Delivery unit for anesthesia, epidural or more intensive medical care is also available. Most importantly, unlike home you are just minutes away from the latest technology and state-of-the-art obstetrical/neonatal units, should they be needed. Because the Birth Center is located within our hospital, patients have true peace of mind knowing advanced medical care is available immediately -- for mother, baby or both.
Cesarean Suites
For Cesarean births, you will also find a family-centered approach. Your obstetrical nurse will remain with you during the preparation, birth and recovery after your delivery. Your spouse or support person is encouraged to attend this joyous event. After your baby is born, a specialized team of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists will perform your baby's first health exam in the delivery room with you. We make every effort to have healthy moms and babies recover together.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
If your baby requires specialized care and observation, this may be done in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.