Maternity
Dedicated to You and Your Baby
From your first prenatal visit to childbirth and beyond, we’re committed to providing you and your baby a safe, personalized experience. We offer the full spectrum of maternity care, including:
- Maternity classes and support groups
- Private suites for you and your partner
- Pre-registrations for your arrival on delivery day
What We Offer You for Maternity Care
- Personalized maternity care, with spa-like suites and myriad birthing and delivery options, including Kaya birth stools and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Go to Maternity Care - Maternity classes, support groups, and more for your
and your family’s well-being.
Go to Prenatal Services - Team-based approach from our board-certified obstetricians and anesthesiologists, specially trained nurses, 24/7 pediatric specialists, and lactation consultants.
Go to Your Care Team
- Full lactation services from international board-certified lactation consultants, in-hospital and private consults, and a help line to aid your nursing goals.
Go to Your Postpartum Care - Ease of access to care, with convenient preregistration to save time when you come to the hospital and a supportive team devoted to you and your baby.
Go to Accessing Care - Advanced services when you or your baby needs special care, with doctors experienced in high-risk pregnancies and multiples, and a Level II NICU on-site.
Go to Advanced Care
Our Birth Center
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley's Birth Center in Pleasanton California provides high-quality care rooted in science and compassion to the communities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and beyond. Take a virtual tour of the birth center and you will learn more about our private birthing suites and family-centered labor and delivery services. We are dedicated to providing you with a safe delivery in a warm, comfortable, compassionate environment. We look forward to supporting you!
Every birth is unique. Whether you prefer a natural delivery, are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, or anticipate having a C-section, we meet you where you are with safe, personalized care.
In addition, we offer you a range of maternity classes to help you prepare, including:
- Childbirth Preparation – learn about what to expect, pain management techniques, and more
- Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding – learn how to recognize hunger cues, latching techniques, and more
- Infant and Child Safety – learn about car seat safety, sleeping tips, and how to provide a safe environment for your little one
Tip: Make your delivery day as smooth as possible by pre-registering
Prenatal Care
Labor & Delivery
Postpartum Care
Your Stay
At Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, we offer a wide range of services and support as you prepare to give birth. We focus on you so you can focus on welcoming your bundle of joy. Our prenatal services include:
- Prenatal exams and screenings: Through routine prenatal testing, we gather information about the health of you and your baby. Your care team monitors both of you with laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging scans, and regular checkups throughout your pregnancy.
- Classes: To help you prepare for your new baby, we offer many classes–live online, self-paced online, and in-person–such as infant care, breastfeeding and chestfeeding, and childbirth preparation. In our childbirth preparation classes, we cover pain management options, and what to expect during labor and birth. Please visit our Maternity Classes page to see a current list of classes being offered, including massage, newborn care, pain management options, and what to expect during childbirth.
- Support for your birth plan: We encourage you to create a birth plan before your baby’s due date and discuss your preferences with your care team. We do all we can to support your plan, including working with you during delivery to make the most appropriate decisions for you and your baby.
- Birth center tour: This 90-minute tour guides you through our labor/delivery/recovery suites, nursery, and postpartum rooms. We’ve designed these tours to help you feel more comfortable when you arrive at the hospital for delivery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, birthing center tours have been temporarily suspended.
- Preregistration: To expedite the process when you arrive for delivery, we encourage you to register in advance.
When it’s time to deliver your baby, you’re in good hands. Our team delivers more than 1,300 babies every year, giving us expertise you can trust. We’ll be by your side every step of the way to provide you with high-quality care and support in a comfortable, safe environment. We offer:
- Seamless labor and delivery: You labor, deliver, and recover in one birthing suite. Our nurses are specially trained to provide labor support using breathing and positioning techniques. After delivery, you spend time in private with your baby, skin-to-skin. This “golden hour” is the ideal time for you and your partner to bond with your baby without interruptions.
- Private suites: Your partner can stay with you and your baby in the hospital. To ease bonding and breastfeeding, your baby “rooms in” with you. Once you’re settled in your postpartum room, you receive a special meal to help you and your partner celebrate your baby’s birth. And free Wi-Fi lets you keep in touch.
- Birthing tools: You have access to a variety of birthing tools to support your delivery, reduce pain, and make you more comfortable. Choose among birthing balls, showers, Kaya birth stools, and aromatherapy. Our experienced nurses can suggest helpful ways to walk and move to help ease labor.
- Pain management options: Our dedicated OB anesthesiology team manages pain during labor and delivery with safe, effective options. We work with you to manage labor pain according to your preferences. Options include nitrous oxide, IV medication, and epidural.
- On-site pediatricians: You can have peace of mind knowing that we have pediatric specialists from Stanford Children’s Health on-site 24/7. These pediatric experts assist with births, evaluate newborns, and take care of preterm babies or newborns needing more care. They are always available and can intervene in an emergency.
As part of our commitment to your well-being, we continue to care for you and your baby after delivery. Our compassionate team has experience helping parents adjust to a new baby, and we are here for you as you transition home. We offer:
- Breastfeeding and chestfeeding support: Our board-certified lactation consultants can answer your questions about breastfeeding. They visit you each day in the hospital to help with latching on, positioning, and dealing with any feeding challenges. After you’ve returned home, you can see our lactation consultants in our outpatient center.
Outpatient Lactation Center
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite 230, 235
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-3598
Need some quick tips now? See answers to some common breastfeeding and chestfeeding questions in our FAQ section below.
- Expert, compassionate pediatricians: You want the best care for your newborn. We proudly provide family-centered services for all your little one’s needs—from their first few days through young adulthood. Choose your pediatrician and learn more about Pediatrics at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley.
- Mother’s support group: We understand that a new baby is a major adjustment. In a mother’s support group, you can meet other moms, share experiences, and make meaningful connections for you and your baby.
- Counseling services: Your care team supports your mental well-being with counseling services for moms who experience emotional changes after having a baby. If you’re feeling sad, moody, or overwhelmed more than several weeks after delivery, you are not alone. Contact our social services team or a member of your care team for help.
At Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, we are committed to making your stay as safe, comfortable, and pleasant as possible. If you have questions about your stay or going home, please call our Birth Center at 925-847-3000 or fill out our online contact form.
Before your stay
It’s helpful to pack your hospital bag several weeks before your due date. Your packing list (.pdf) might include:
- Labor Supports, such as pillows
- Comfort items, such as music, phone, and charger
- Personal care items
- Comfortable clothes, including pajamas, slippers, and nursing bras
- Outfits for your baby
- Favorite snack
You’ll also need a rear-facing car seat for your newborn to safely ride home from the hospital. If you aren’t sure how to install or use your car seat, you can call your local police department. You can also call 866-SEAT-CHECK (866-732-8243) or visit seatcheck.org.
During your stay
Currently, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, one support person can accompany you around the clock. In addition, a certified doula is welcome to support you during labor.
- Arriving: When you get to the hospital, please enter through the emergency admitting entrance. We take you to your birthing suite and help you get comfortable. Your labor and delivery nurse will:
- Review your birth plan
- Assess your labor
- Notify your obstetrician of your progress
- Couplet Care: The same nurse cares for you and your baby throughout your stay, making sure all your questions are answered and you have everything you need.
- Celebration meal: To celebrate the joyous occasion of your child’s birth, we offer a special, post-delivery meal. You can request this meal as soon as you feel ready to celebrate, and share it with your partner or loved one.
Throughout your stay, if you need anything, please let us know. We are happy to provide you with diapers, wipes, swaddling blankets, and clothes for the baby at the hospital. As well as pads and underwear for mom postpartum. Our attentive nurses take great care of you, your baby, and anyone else with you.
Going home
Your care team prepares you and your baby to leave the hospital safely. As you get ready to go:
- Both you and your baby have a checkup the morning you are discharged.
- Your nurse provides straightforward instructions to follow at home.
- You can get breastfeeding help from our board-certified lactation consultants, in-person or virtually, by calling 925-416-3598 Monday through Friday.
At Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, we offer a wide range of services and support as you prepare to give birth. We focus on you so you can focus on welcoming your bundle of joy. Our prenatal services include:
- Prenatal exams and screenings: Through routine prenatal testing, we gather information about the health of you and your baby. Your care team monitors both of you with laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging scans, and regular checkups throughout your pregnancy.
- Classes: To help you prepare for your new baby, we offer many classes–live online, self-paced online, and in-person–such as infant care, breastfeeding and chestfeeding, and childbirth preparation. In our childbirth preparation classes, we cover pain management options, and what to expect during labor and birth. Please visit our Maternity Classes page to see a current list of classes being offered, including massage, newborn care, pain management options, and what to expect during childbirth.
- Support for your birth plan: We encourage you to create a birth plan before your baby’s due date and discuss your preferences with your care team. We do all we can to support your plan, including working with you during delivery to make the most appropriate decisions for you and your baby.
- Birth center tour: This 90-minute tour guides you through our labor/delivery/recovery suites, nursery, and postpartum rooms. We’ve designed these tours to help you feel more comfortable when you arrive at the hospital for delivery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, birthing center tours have been temporarily suspended.
- Preregistration: To expedite the process when you arrive for delivery, we encourage you to register in advance.
close Prenatal Care
When it’s time to deliver your baby, you’re in good hands. Our team delivers more than 1,300 babies every year, giving us expertise you can trust. We’ll be by your side every step of the way to provide you with high-quality care and support in a comfortable, safe environment. We offer:
- Seamless labor and delivery: You labor, deliver, and recover in one birthing suite. Our nurses are specially trained to provide labor support using breathing and positioning techniques. After delivery, you spend time in private with your baby, skin-to-skin. This “golden hour” is the ideal time for you and your partner to bond with your baby without interruptions.
- Private suites: Your partner can stay with you and your baby in the hospital. To ease bonding and breastfeeding, your baby “rooms in” with you. Once you’re settled in your postpartum room, you receive a special meal to help you and your partner celebrate your baby’s birth. And free Wi-Fi lets you keep in touch.
- Birthing tools: You have access to a variety of birthing tools to support your delivery, reduce pain, and make you more comfortable. Choose among birthing balls, showers, Kaya birth stools, and aromatherapy. Our experienced nurses can suggest helpful ways to walk and move to help ease labor.
- Pain management options: Our dedicated OB anesthesiology team manages pain during labor and delivery with safe, effective options. We work with you to manage labor pain according to your preferences. Options include nitrous oxide, IV medication, and epidural.
- On-site pediatricians: You can have peace of mind knowing that we have pediatric specialists from Stanford Children’s Health on-site 24/7. These pediatric experts assist with births, evaluate newborns, and take care of preterm babies or newborns needing more care. They are always available and can intervene in an emergency.
close Labor & Delivery
As part of our commitment to your well-being, we continue to care for you and your baby after delivery. Our compassionate team has experience helping parents adjust to a new baby, and we are here for you as you transition home. We offer:
- Breastfeeding and chestfeeding support: Our board-certified lactation consultants can answer your questions about breastfeeding. They visit you each day in the hospital to help with latching on, positioning, and dealing with any feeding challenges. After you’ve returned home, you can see our lactation consultants in our outpatient center.
Outpatient Lactation Center
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite 230, 235
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-3598
Need some quick tips now? See answers to some common breastfeeding and chestfeeding questions in our FAQ section below.
- Expert, compassionate pediatricians: You want the best care for your newborn. We proudly provide family-centered services for all your little one’s needs—from their first few days through young adulthood. Choose your pediatrician and learn more about Pediatrics at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley.
- Mother’s support group: We understand that a new baby is a major adjustment. In a mother’s support group, you can meet other moms, share experiences, and make meaningful connections for you and your baby.
- Counseling services: Your care team supports your mental well-being with counseling services for moms who experience emotional changes after having a baby. If you’re feeling sad, moody, or overwhelmed more than several weeks after delivery, you are not alone. Contact our social services team or a member of your care team for help.
close Postpartum Care
At Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, we are committed to making your stay as safe, comfortable, and pleasant as possible. If you have questions about your stay or going home, please call our Birth Center at 925-847-3000 or fill out our online contact form.
Before your stay
It’s helpful to pack your hospital bag several weeks before your due date. Your packing list (.pdf) might include:
- Labor Supports, such as pillows
- Comfort items, such as music, phone, and charger
- Personal care items
- Comfortable clothes, including pajamas, slippers, and nursing bras
- Outfits for your baby
- Favorite snack
You’ll also need a rear-facing car seat for your newborn to safely ride home from the hospital. If you aren’t sure how to install or use your car seat, you can call your local police department. You can also call 866-SEAT-CHECK (866-732-8243) or visit seatcheck.org.
During your stay
Currently, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, one support person can accompany you around the clock. In addition, a certified doula is welcome to support you during labor.
- Arriving: When you get to the hospital, please enter through the emergency admitting entrance. We take you to your birthing suite and help you get comfortable. Your labor and delivery nurse will:
- Review your birth plan
- Assess your labor
- Notify your obstetrician of your progress
- Couplet Care: The same nurse cares for you and your baby throughout your stay, making sure all your questions are answered and you have everything you need.
- Celebration meal: To celebrate the joyous occasion of your child’s birth, we offer a special, post-delivery meal. You can request this meal as soon as you feel ready to celebrate, and share it with your partner or loved one.
Throughout your stay, if you need anything, please let us know. We are happy to provide you with diapers, wipes, swaddling blankets, and clothes for the baby at the hospital. As well as pads and underwear for mom postpartum. Our attentive nurses take great care of you, your baby, and anyone else with you.
Going home
Your care team prepares you and your baby to leave the hospital safely. As you get ready to go:
- Both you and your baby have a checkup the morning you are discharged.
- Your nurse provides straightforward instructions to follow at home.
- You can get breastfeeding help from our board-certified lactation consultants, in-person or virtually, by calling 925-416-3598 Monday through Friday.
close Your Stay
Not sure if your baby is latching correctly or getting enough milk? Issues with soreness? Schedule a private consultation with our board-certified lactation consultants.
Outpatient Lactation Center
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite 230, 235
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-3598
Our team of experts has specialized training in managing the needs of moms and babies who require a higher level of care. From pre-pregnancy counseling through delivery, we offer comprehensive support for women with high-risk pregnancies. If your baby needs extra care, our NICU team is highly skilled and ready to respond to any emergency.
Pregnancy and diabetes
Our specially trained team can help you manage diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy. We offer:
- Counseling, nutrition plans, and several insulin options
- Sweet Success gestational diabetes management program, offering guidance from registered dietitians and diabetes experts
- Preconception counseling for women who already have diabetes
High-risk pregnancy
If a health condition may affect your pregnancy, our team offers advanced care for you and your baby before, during, and after delivery. We have expertise with:
- High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
- Pregnancy with multiples
- Moms over age 35 (advanced maternal age)
- Vaginal birth after a previous C-section, also known as a VBAC
- Diabetes in pregnancy
- Preterm labor
- Short cervix
NICU
At our Level II NICU, we care for babies born prematurely or with special health needs, including respiratory problems and feeding challenges. Because we understand how difficult it can be to have a child in the NICU, we are committed to answering your questions and providing unwavering support.
Our postpartum suites, NICU, pediatric unit, and surgical suite are located near each other for seamless care. Our highly trained team is lead by pediatric specialists from Stanford Children’s Hospital who specialize in preterm babies as early as 32 weeks as well as full term babies who need extra support.
- Neonatologists (doctors specializing in care for critically ill newborns)
- Certified nurses with additional training in neonatology
- Respiratory therapists
- Pediatric specialists from the community
We also have pediatric specialists from Stanford Children’s Hospital on-site 24/7. We combine experience, expertise, and compassion to help you welcome your baby to the world.
Your Maternity Care Team
At Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, our experienced team aims to provide a safe, healthy delivery for you and your baby. Your highly skilled team includes board-certified doctors and nurses who work together to provide your care. Our knowledgeable breastfeeding and chestfeeding specialists offer support and encouragement during your hospital stay and after you return home.
Your Doctors
OB Hospitalist
Obstetricians (OBs) are doctors who care for women throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and after delivery. An OB Hospitalist is always at the hospital to care for women in labor. This dedicated doctor can respond immediately in an emergency.
View All OB Hospitalist »OB Anesthesiologists
These doctors have special training in using medications to manage and reduce pain. Your dedicated OB anesthesiologist works with you during labor and delivery. OB anesthesiologists have experience with a range of pain management medications, including epidurals.
View All OB Anesthesiologists »
Extended Care Team
Labor and Delivery Nurses
With special training to care for women and babies, these nurses support you during labor and delivery and after the baby is born. They assist with pain management, track contractions, and monitor the baby’s heartbeat throughout the birth process.
Breastfeeding Specialists
Breastfeeding specialists, also called lactation consultants, have advanced training in helping mothers nurse their babies. They have experience assisting mothers with increasing milk production, latching on, breastfeeding without pain, and feeding multiples and premature babies.
Support Services
We help with the details so you can focus on your health and wellness. We offer a range of patient services and helpful information to coordinate the various aspects of your care:
Videos and Resources
We do everything we can to help you have a healthy pregnancy and prepare for delivery. We look forward to helping you welcome your baby into the world.
Convenient care where you live and work
- Insurance and billing: We accept several insurance plans. We will happily work with you to confirm insurance coverage and discuss financial arrangements.
- MyHealth: Our MyHealth system allows you to access your records and view test results through a secure, online portal and device app. You can also communicate with your doctors.
- Patient resources: Save time by preregistering online before you come to the hospital. To support you on your journey to parenthood, we offer various classes and support groups for siblings and parents-to-be.
Frequently Asked Questions
One way to prepare for your stay is to pack your hospital bag. It's a good idea to pack your items so they're ready to go a few weeks before your due date. View a list of suggested items to pack for your hospital stay.
You need a rear-facing car seat for your newborn to safely ride home from the hospital. If you aren’t sure how to install or use your car seat, you can call your local police department. You can also call 866.SEAT.CHECK (866.732.8243) or visit seatcheck.org.
You can save time when you arrive at the hospital by preregistering for your scheduled maternity procedure. We ask that you submit your preregistration form at least two days before your scheduled procedure. You can get the form from your obstetrician or the Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley admitting office, or you can complete it online.
When you get to the hospital, please enter through the emergency admitting entrance.
A member of your care team will take you to your birthing suite and help you get comfortable. Your labor and delivery nurse will:
- Review your birth plan
- Assess your labor
- Notify your obstetrician of your progress
To help you mark the joyous occasion of your child’s birth, we offer a special, post-delivery celebration meal. We bring this four-course meal to your room for you to share with your spouse, significant other, or loved one. You can request this special dining experience as soon as you feel ready to celebrate.
During your stay, if you need anything, please let us know. Our attentive nurses take great care of you, your baby, and anyone with you during your stay.
We’ve designed our visiting policies with your needs and comfort in mind:
- Visiting hours in Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley Birth Center are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., except while you are in labor.
- Your birth partner is welcome to be with you at any time.
- To protect our patients, we don’t allow visitors who show signs of cough, cold, or other illness to enter the Birth Center.
Your care team prepares you and your baby to leave the hospital safely. Both you and your baby have a checkup the morning you are discharged. Your nurse gives you instructions to follow when you go home. If you have questions about what happens after you leave the hospital, please call us or fill out our online contact form.
Also called bodyfeeding, chestfeeding is the process of feeding a child human milk from a person's chest. It is a term that can be used by anyone for whom the terms breastfeeding and nursing are not a perfect fit, including some transgender and nonbinary parents.
The correct positioning is a comfortable position. Every breastfeed or chestfeed dyad will have their own unique and individual needs. If you are not experiencing pain or discomfort during breastfeeding or chestfeeding and your baby is having adequate weight gain, that indicates a good latch.
On demand breastfeeding or chestfeeding means to feed your baby as often as they want to be fed. Typically, babies will feed between 8-12 times in 24 hours. However, there are some babies who will feed more often than this. There is no schedule for breastfeeding and no two days will look the same. Feeding on demand will take advantage of your baby’s natural ability to regulate their calories and intake what is needed.
Yes, as cited by the CDC, current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies. If you have COVID-19 and choose to breastfeed or chestfeed, you should wash your hands before feeding and wear a mask while feeding and whenever you are within 6 ft of your baby.
On demand (or feeding on baby’s cue) breastfeeding typically maintains adequate breastmilk supply for your baby. Consult with a lactation specialist to determine and manage if breastmilk supply is low or if there is an oversupply.
If your baby is hungry, your baby will show you their feeding cues: Licking their lips, sticking their tongue out, making smacking sounds, rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth), trying to suck on their hands or fingers, and crying. If your baby is full, their sucking may slow down and they may turn away from the breast or bottle. When your baby is full, they will be content; you will see a calm, relaxed, and happy baby.
Our board-certified lactation experts are available to assist you with any feeding challenges. To schedule an appointment, contact our Outpatient Lactation Center.
Outpatient Lactation Center
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite 230, 235
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-416-3598