The UCSD Medical Center Family Maternity Care Center Postpartum Unit is a quiet environment where mothers and new babies can spend their post-delivery recovery period in a private or semi-private room where specialized nurses can care for them.
To strengthen the parent-child bond, your baby will stay in your room 24 hours a day. Fathers and support people are welcome. We encourage siblings to visit as well; please be sure they are fully immunized and have no signs of illness.
Visitors
Visiting hours for extended family and friends are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 .p.m.
We offer a "siesta time" each afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to support our new moms as they try to rest and relax before returning home. Visiting is not permitted during siesta time. Remember all visitors must obtain a visitors badge at the nurses’ station before entering your room. In all rooms at UCSD Medical Center you’ll have ample space for Dad, your partner or special someone to remain close at hand.
Babies are sometimes taken to the nursery for blood tests and hearing tests, but the family is always welcome to go with the baby. If your baby has a medical problem and needs to go to the Infant Special Care Center, you are welcome to visit.
Safety
On the fourth floor we have an electronic surveillance system to make sure your baby is safe at all times. This consists of a comfortable fitting armband that is placed on your baby upon entrance to the Postpartum unit. It monitors the location of your baby, setting off an alarm for the nurses if the baby gets too close to an exit off the unit. This infant security system is in addition to color-coded employee identification badges, cameras, limited access and alarmed doors. Your baby’s safety is our highest priority.
Infant Care
Babies are seen every day by the newborn healthcare team, which includes an Attending Physician, Nurse Practitioner and a Pediatric Resident. They will examine your baby and talk to you about all the things you and your baby are learning to do. We will communicate with your baby’s pediatrician and help you arrange for infant care after discharge. Most babies are seen within 48 hours of discharge.
The doctors and nurses of Family Maternity Care Center will spend time with you reviewing the basics of baby care and answering your questions. We stress car seat safety and ask you to bring your car seat into the hospital before you go home, so we can how the baby fits into the car seat.