Family Birth Center - Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center

We provide complete maternity care to meet your individual needs, with comfortable and private labor, delivery and recovery suites. For babies who need extra support, our specialized neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is available. We also offer:

• Birth center tours

• Childbirth classes

• Lactation consultants and breastfeeding support 

• Safety education 

• Support for substance-exposed newborns

The most important item to bring is an approved infant car seat. You may also want to pack a receiving blanket and an outfit for your baby to go home in. 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: 

• Comfortable clothes to wear home (maternity clothes)

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

• Flip-flops

• Lip balm

• Nightgowns

• Nursing bras and nursing pads

• Personal electronics and chargers

• Personal toiletries

• Snacks

• Swimsuit and change of clothes for partner

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 board-certified neonatologists and NICU team are specially trained to care for premature or sick babies. We will keep you informed every step of the way so you always know how your baby is doing. We also partner with leading hospitals to offer access to the latest treatments and advanced care.

To learn more about our services, please call (805) 332-8390.

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 options 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. An anesthesiologist can discuss pain relief options with you at any point during your labor.

At Marian Regional Medical Center, 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

Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) is a family-centered approach we use to care for babies exposed to certain substances or opioids before birth. Our team helps your baby eat well, sleep comfortably and feel soothed — with your involvement. We guide you every step of the way, teaching you how to care for your baby in the hospital and at home.

If you’re concerned your baby may have been exposed to substances, tell your provider or our team before you deliver so we can provide support and planning.

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.