Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions about Labor and Delivery Care

What is the visitor policy?

To best protect your and your baby’s health, and the health of other patients and our health workers, our Visitor Policy may change from time to time. Please see our current Visitor Policy here. If you have a doula, your doula counts as one of the two allowed visitors and will need to complete a doula agreement.

Where can I park?

You will be able to park for free at any of these locations. Please remind your caregiver or partner to take the parking ticket to the Information Desk at the front entrance of the hospital to have it validated.

What should I bring to the hospital?

Here is a list of what to bring with you to the hospital.

Will the hospital help me install my infant car seat?

Our hospital staff cannot help you with installing, adjusting, or using a car seat. California law requires you to take your baby home in a car seat. We recommend that you install your car seat before you come to the hospital. For more information, visit carseat.stanfordchildrens.org.

What are my options for comfort and pain management?

With your birth plan as our guide, our team is here to make your baby’s birth the experience you want it to be. We’ll work closely with you to support your choices, such as unmedicated or medicated labor, as well as the use of birthing balls, music, and other relaxation aids. If you want a medicated labor or require a C-section, our obstetric anesthesiologists are always available to support you.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

If you have a vaginal delivery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. If you have a C-section delivery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 48 to 72 hours. Some patients may need to stay longer, depending on their recovery.  Please make sure your ride home arrives before 11:00 a.m. the day you are leaving.

What amenities are available in your Labor and Delivery and Maternity units?

All of our Labor rooms are equipped with special labor beds that can be adjusted for different laboring positions, private bathrooms with showers, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a comfortable place for your partner or support person to rest. Our Maternity rooms are comfortably furnished for you, your baby, and an overnight guest. We honor your desire for privacy. That’s why all of our labor rooms are private. Also, all our postpartum (maternity) rooms are private with rare exceptions during periods of very high demand.

What food options are there for partners or visitors?

Harvest Café, located on the 1st floor of the hospital’s Main building, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have limited food options after 9:00 p.m. Take-out food can be ordered and delivered at the food drop-off station at the front of both the West and Main entrances of the hospital. Your visitor or partner must pick up the food at the hospital entrance.