Family Birth Center - Dignity Health - Dominican Hospital

Our Family Birth Center at Dominican Hospital provides comprehensive care for both vaginal and cesarean births. This includes on-site anesthesia, pediatrician support, breastfeeding assistance and vaccinations. We also offer a dedicated midwifery program for uncomplicated pregnancies.

Our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides the highest level of care available in the Monterey Bay area.

The most important item to bring is an approved infant car seat. We offer free car seat checks and installation during your stay. You may also want to pack a going-home outfit for your baby and a receiving blanket. We provide all other necessary items for your baby during your hospital stay, including diapers and blankets.

You are welcome to bring anything that will make your stay more comfortable, including:

• Driver's license or ID card, insurance card, pediatrician and OB/GYN contact information

• Personal electronics and chargers

• Personal toiletries

• Lip balm

• Flip flops

• Swimsuit and change of clothes for partner

• Nightgowns

• Nursing bras and nursing pads

• Comfortable clothes to wear home (maternity clothes)

• Snacks

Yes, we welcome your chosen support people to be present during labor and delivery. After birth, visitors can also see you and your baby in your hospital room. We encourage discussing your visitor preferences with your care team to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for everyone.

Our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is staffed by Stanford neonatologists and NICU-certified nurses through our partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, ensuring advanced care for newborns who need extra attention.

Our approach to infant feeding is guided by compassion, research, real-world experiences and your family's unique needs. It’s designed to help all families thrive, supporting both breastfeeding families and those who make an informed choice not to breastfeed.

If you choose to breastfeed, our hospital staff is well trained to help you get started. Our board-certified lactation consultants can also provide expert support during your hospital stay.

Your doctor may recommend a cesarean section (C-section) if your baby is too big for your pelvis or if you’re carrying multiples. A C-section may also be recommended if your contractions are not strong enough to fully dilate your cervix or your baby does not tolerate labor.

Our nurses offer personalized support for your birth experience, providing various pain management options. These include comfort measures like tubs and in-room showers, guidance on breathing techniques, and pharmacological methods such as nitrous oxide. Additionally, anesthesia services are available 24 hours a day, and an anesthesiologist can discuss pain relief options with you at any point during your labor.

At Dominican Hospital, we keep mothers and babies together during the hospital stay to encourage bonding opportunities. Skin-to-skin bonding often:

• Causes your uterus to contract and bleed less

• Comforts and soothes baby

• Gives baby better oxygenation and blood sugar levels

• Promotes feelings of closeness and protectiveness

• Provides a quiet time for your new family to connect

• Stabilizes baby’s temperature and vital signs

• Stimulates milk production and provides the best opportunity to get breastfeeding off to a good start

Yes, Dominican Hospital is the only hospital in Santa Cruz to offer trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Your physician or midwife can help you understand your risk factors and determine if a TOLAC is a recommended option for you.

You can choose a pediatrician by asking your obstetrics and gynecology doctor or asking family and friends. You can also use our Find a Doctor tool.