Stollmeyer Family Birthing Center - Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center

We provide complete maternity care to meet your individual needs, with comfortable and private labor, delivery and recovery suites. We also offer:

• Birth center tours

• Childbirth classes

• Lactation consultants and breastfeeding support 

• Safety education

The most important item to bring is an approved infant car seat. You may also want to pack an outfit for your baby along with a receiving blanket. We provide all other items that your baby will need during your hospital stay, including diapers and blankets. 

You are welcome to bring anything else 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 sit with you and your baby in your hospital room. We encourage you to discuss your visitor preferences with your care team to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.

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, which may include 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. 

Also, anesthesia services are available 24 hours a day. One of our anesthesiologists can discuss pain relief options with you at any point during your labor.

Yes. At French Hospital Medical Center, your baby is placed on your chest right after birth. 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. Our free weekly virtual support group, The Mommy Hour, helps pregnant women and new moms with support, encouragement and resources. Led by a team of experienced professionals, the group covers topics such as adjusting to life with a baby and emotional wellness. 

The group meets Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. To join or learn more, contact Wendy Beres or call (805) 541-2229.

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.