Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you prepare for your baby’s arrival at Dominican, here are the most frequently asked questions about our Birth Center.

From pregnancy to parenting or new and experienced parents, we are here to provide the guidance and care you need.
We are proud to offer a number of virtual and live classes to help families prepare for their newborn.
To learn more and register for one of the many Childbirth and Parenting classes that are offered through our PEP program, visit our Class Registration page, or call, (831) 457-7099 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Complete the pre-admission form on the Admitting & Online Registration page anytime during your pregnancy to save time and be better prepared for your visit. For questions about pre-registration, call (831) 462-7700.

The main entrance is off Soquel Drive. After hours, please enter through the Emergency Room and you will be escorted directly to Labor and Delivery
Free parking is available in front and behind the hospital
Complimentary valet is available Monday through Friday

Our nurses are trained to support your birth experience through patient-centered care.
We offer a variety of pain management options to help you achieve the birth you desire.
Whether it be using our tub or in-room showers, coaching you through breathing techniques, or supplementing with nitrous oxide or other pharmacological methods, we've got you covered..
Anesthesia is available 24 hours a day. Anytime during your labor, an anesthesiologist can discuss pain relief options with you.

Moms will deliver in a Labor/Delivery/Recovery suite.
After recovering from delivery, moms will transfer to a private postpartum room for their remainder of recovery and stay until they go home with their newborns.
Healthy babies are cared for right in the home-like room and stay with their new families as much as desired.

Yes, we offer skin-to-skin care. Skin-to-skin regulates baby's temperature, breathing, and promotes breastfeeding. It also provides a unique opportunity for initial bonding with your newborn baby within the first hour of birth.
For vaginal deliveries: This begins immediately after birth. Newborn birth medications, weight/length measurements, and first bath are performed after baby’s first feeding/bonding time.
For cesarean deliveries: At birth there will be a quick examination before the baby is placed on mom’s chest for skin-to-skin care.

If your baby is premature or requires intensive care, your newborn will be cared for on site.
Our Level III NICU provides the most advanced area available in the Monterey Bay Area. Our NICU is staffed by doctors from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and nurses specializing in the care of the critically ill or premature newborns.

Yes. We offer couplet care, which means that your baby stays in the room with you.

Birth Center visiting hours for friends and family vary. Quiet Time is strongly encouraged for our patients beginning at 8:30 p.m.
All visitors must wash or gel their hands before and after visiting patients.
If you have a fever or cough please do not visit.

The most important thing to bring is an approved infant car seat. We offer individual Car Seat Safety Checks by our certified car seat technicians to all families who deliver at Dominican hospital so that you can go home safely.
You will also want to bring a going-home outfit for the baby and perhaps a receiving blanket for extra warmth. As a special gift, Dominican provides a newborn outfit.
Dominican will provide whatever is needed for the baby during your hospital stay, i.e. diapers, t-shirts, blankets.
Here is a more comprehensive list of items you may want to bring: What to Pack

Yes. If you choose to breastfeed, our hospital staff is well trained to help you get started.
Lactation consultants are International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and available for breastfeeding support during your hospital stay. For more information on our breastfeeding services, visit this page.