Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of Santa Cruz Birth Center

You can sign up online for an in-person tour of our birth center.

Come in when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour.

Come sooner if you experience any of these:

• Your water breaks
• Bleeding like a period
• Severe pain
• Decreased baby movement
• You feel something isn’t right

If you’re unsure, call us at 831-477-2200. We’ll help you decide.

You’ll go to triage first so we can check you and your baby.

We will:

• Check your vital signs
• Monitor the baby’s heartbeat
• Examine your cervix if needed
• Decide whether you’re in active labor

If you’re ready to deliver, you’ll move to a birth room. If not, we’ll give guidance on next steps.

We’ll review your birth plan when you arrive and support your preferences when safe.

If medical needs change, we’ll explain why and decide next steps with you. You can also create your preferences at the hospital if you don’t have a written plan. For help creating your plan, you can use American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist’s sample birth plan template.

We keep you informed, ask permission before procedures, and include you in decisions.

Your obstetrician, midwife and nurses at Sutter work together so your care stays consistent. We support comfort measures, your support person and your preferences whenever medically safe.

After delivery you’ll receive:

• Lactation support in the hospital
• Education on recovery and newborn care
• Follow-up care guidance
• Access to ongoing services at Sutter

We also provide resources for postpartum mood concerns and physical recovery, including a virtual Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program.

Yes. Free medical interpreters are available 24/7 in person, by phone or video.

Ask any staff member when you arrive and we’ll connect you right away. We also translate important medical forms and discharge instructions.