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A lifelong love begins here

If you're planning for a new arrival,
you've come to the right place. 

 

Maternity care at Dignity Health in Central California

Life's first hellos start here. Our birth centers in Bakersfield, Stockton, and Merced are well-known for outstanding care of mothers and their newborns. We believe that bringing a new life into the world means supporting you every step of the way. Let's deliver humankindness—together.

Birth center virtual tour

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and welcome to Dignity Health. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we're unable to offer in-person tours. However, we're excited to offer virtual tours for all four of our birth center locations. Please select a hospital to get started.

Bakersfield

Merced

Stockton

Private birthing suites

At Dignity Health, we work closely with you to make giving birth safe and comfortable. Our hospitals feature large, modern birthing suites where state-of-the-art equipment is balanced with home-like features, including a comfortable place for dad or other family members to rest.

Designed for safety and comfort

We want your birth experience to be as comfortable as possible. Your pain will be monitored closely and options for pain control will be available to you. For mothers-to-be that are planning to have an epidural, there is an anesthesiologist in-house—not just on call—24-hours a day who can respond quickly when it’s time.

Baby-Friendly® designation

Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Southwest, and St. Joseph's Medical Center are Baby-Friendly® Hospitals. These designations, received from Baby-Friendly USA, mark the highest accreditation for birth centers. Baby-Friendly hospitals are recognized worldwide for their superb infant bonding and breastfeeding practices in their birthing units.

my baby. maternity app by Dignity Health

my baby. helps you track pregnancy milestones, identify symptoms and issues, and connect to services, like nurse support, so you can have a healthier pregnancy. Let us help you as you grow your family.

Find a doctor, learn about birth center tours, and connect with your baby using other great in-app tools like the Kick-Counter and Baby Boost, all right from your phone.

With my baby. by Dignity Health, you can sign up for prenatal classes, set appointment reminders, and build your own birth plan using the Milestones feature.

Some of the things you can do in the app are:
• Follow your pregnancy milestones
• Share instructive emails built for partners only
• Look up symptoms and issues
• Track your weight and baby’s movements
• Watch weekly educational videos
• Receive daily highlights throughout your pregnancy
• Connect with local health care resources

 

Download today on iTunes or Google Play

 

My Baby - A Dignity Health Pregnancy App from Dignity Health on Vimeo.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

If your baby is born prematurely or with a serious illness, you can trust in specialized care at the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at all of our hospitals. Specially trained NICU doctors and nurses care for every need of the tiniest of newborns.

Birth and parenting classes

We are committed to helping you be the best parent you can be—think of us as your wellness partner before, during, and after pregnancy. We offer parenting and childbirth classes for moms-to-be and their partners. Our childbirth classes will help you prepare for the new addition to your family, starting with the experience of giving birth. The more you know, the more relaxed you will be when the time comes. Parenting classes will give you the knowledge and skills you will need to confidently care for your baby. 

 

Learn more about our parenting and childbirth classes:

Bakersfield

Merced

Stockton

 

Reasons for seeing an obstetrician

When it comes to you and your baby’s health, you want only the very best medical care. An obstetrician can help guide and support you through all aspects of pregnancy and delivery, including counseling on pain relief, vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, and delivery methods.

Specifically, obstetricians can help with:

Maternity services at Dignity Health in Central California

We offer a wide range of OB/GYN services at our hospitals, birth centers, and outpatient care clinics, including:

What to bring on the big day

Before the big day, pack a bag with everything you think you'll need at the hospital so that you're ready to go as soon as your baby is ready to arrive. Click the link below for our list of birth essentials to help get you started.

Click here for a printable list.

Considering having a baby?

If you’re considering having a baby, take a moment to read these health tips for getting pregnant, then meet with a provider at a Dignity Health Central California Hospital for personalized care. Your maternity team may include your obstetrician, family medicine doctor, maternal-fetal medicine doctor, and a midwife or neonatologist.

Want more maternity-related content?
Sign up for resources on care for you and your baby.

To find an OB/GYN, please call (805) 826-1066 or use our Find a Doctor search tool.