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Providing Care That's Relevant to You

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Have you heard of MemorialCare’s labor and delivery services? We are committed to providing personalized service throughout your birthing experience. Learn more about how we can help before you reach delivery day.

Pre-Admission Forms

Please complete a Pre-Admission Form and send it to the Admitting Office as soon as possible prior to your due date. You will find the form in the information packet presented at the Maternity Orientation Tour. You may also download the form online or obtain it from your doctor, or our Admitting Offices.
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What to Bring to the Hospital for Delivery

You should have a small bag, containing the personal articles you wish to bring to the hospital packed and ready to go. These may include:

For You

  • Pajama tops or short nighties (remember to buy appropriate nursing gowns if you will be breastfeeding).
  • Robe and slippers (washable).
  • Toiletries. 
    • Toothpaste/toothbrush.
    • Shampoo/conditioner.
    • Soap.
    • Deodorant.
    • Shower cap.
  • Two bras (remember nursing bras, if you’re nursing—they are available at one of our breastfeeding supply stores).
  • Clothing to go home in (remember to bring some of your early maternity clothes; you probably won’t fit in your skinny jeans just after giving birth).

For Your Baby

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Arriving to Deliver Your Baby

We recommend that you and your partner make plans on how you will reach the hospital when you are in labor. Know the drop off area, where to park, and how to arrive to the BirthCare Center inside the hospital. A few weeks before your due date, keep your gas tank full—you may not have time to buy gas when in labor. Plan for emergency back-up transportation, in case you and your partner are not together when labor begins. When you arrive at the hospital to deliver your baby, remember to go to the BirthCare Center rather than the Emergency Department.

Select the hospital you will be delivering at for driving direction and parking information:

MemorialCare Center for Women
Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach
Long Beach Medical Center

Maternity Center
Orange Coast Medical Center 

The Women's Hospital
Saddleback Medical Center

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Mother-Baby Couplet Care

To enhance bonding, we practice mother-baby couplet care. A single nurse cares for both the mother and baby together as one unit. Studies show that infants in their mother’s presence cry less, have a lower blood pressure, and have a more stabilized temperature, pulse and respiration rate. Caring for mother and baby together promotes coordination and continuity of care, improves communication between family and caregivers, and enhances maternal learning and confidence.

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Just for Partners

What to Expect on the Day of Delivery

The partner’s role in childbirth has changed since the old days of the doctor entering the waiting room to announce, “It’s a…” Today, most partners are involved in attending prenatal appointments, childbirth classes and the birth. At the BirthCare Centers, you’re encouraged to participate in the birth. A homelike atmosphere is provided in the spacious labor, delivery and recovery suites. In the days after delivery, partners visit with mom and baby as often as you like.

As the due date nears, partners need to be as prepared as possible. When the big day does finally arrive, things are guaranteed to be both exciting and hectic! Here is some important information to get you ready for delivery day.

In the weeks before:

  • Be sure to take a tour of the hospital with your partner. Familiarize yourself with where to park and how to get to the BirthCare Center.
  • Find out how to get to the hospital cafeteria for a snack or meal, and where the gift shop is located in case you need supplies or flowers.
  • Keep your gas tank full—you may not have time to get to the gas station if your partner is in labor.
  • Have your cameras (video, digital and still) charged and ready to go. Bring extra film and batteries, just in case.
  • Plan for emergency back-up transportation, in case you’re not around when your partner goes into labor.
  • Be supportive of your partner. She will probably have trouble sleeping, getting comfortable in general, and may experience contractions called Braxton Hicks before actually going into labor.
  • Be patient and listen to her concerns. Your support during the final countdown will be important to her.
  • Print out and fill out the Partner's Checklist.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Our maternity unit nurses are committed to providing a personalized service and have advanced training to help identify potential concerns early and respond quickly to high-risk needs. On occasion, before birth or immediately after birth, your baby may need specialized medical care. It’s reassuring to know that unparalleled neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are just footsteps away staffed with specially trained nurses, board-certified neonatologists, respiratory therapists, dietitians and lactation consultants who can provide your newborn with exceptional and compassionate care.

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Postpartum Care & Newborn Nursery

All of our spacious postpartum rooms are private or semi-private with large windows (varies based on location). Our highly trained maternity nurses provide on-site education from breastfeeding to baby care, as well as support for feedings and diapering. We also provide postpartum baby care while you rest during your stay. To help you prepare for bringing your baby home we offer a personally tailored education class for new mothers. Our newborn nurseries are open 24 hours, seven days-a-week, for your comfort, safety and security. On-staff nurses assist in caring for your child when you are in need of extra rest.

Learn more about our locations

Estimate Out-of-Pocket Cost

We want you to be well-informed in advance about your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Our cost estimator tool offers you a way to estimate the amount for which you may be responsible prior to receiving services at MemorialCare.

Locations Offering Labor & Delivery