Sutter Medical Center Birth Center

You can sign up online for a virtual or in-person birth center tour.

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

Come sooner if you have:

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

If you’re unsure, call 916-887-0000. We’ll help you decide what to do next.

Pack a small bag ahead of time with a few essentials for you, your baby and your support person. Here are the basics to consider:

• Important items: ID, insurance card, phone and chargers
• Comfort items for labor: lip balm, water bottle, socks, pillow, hair ties, light entertainment
• Clothing for you: robe or pajamas, slippers, nursing bra, going‑home outfit
• Toiletries and personal care: toothbrush, deodorant, medications, glasses or contacts
• For your baby: car seat, going‑home outfit, hat, blanket
• For your support person: change of clothes, snacks and basic toiletries

You may not need everything, so focus on what will help you feel comfortable. For a complete checklist, read our hospital packing list.

Insurance coverage and out‑of‑pocket costs can vary based on your plan. Care related to having a baby may include prenatal visits, labor and delivery services, your hospital stay, postpartum care and care for your newborn.

You may receive separate bills for different parts of your care, such as your provider, the hospital, anesthesia and your baby’s care. Some services may be covered differently depending on your insurance plan and whether providers are in network.

For the most accurate information about your coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly. You can also learn more about billing, payment options and financial assistance on our Billing and Insurance page.

Yes. Free medical interpreters are available 24/7 in person, by phone or video. Ask any staff member and we’ll connect you right away.

When you arrive, you’ll go to triage so we can check you and your baby.

We may:

• check your vital signs
• examine your cervix if needed
• monitor your baby’s heartbeat
• confirm whether you’re in active labor

If you’re ready, you’ll move to a birth room. If not, we’ll explain next steps.

You can discuss pain relief options with your care team at any time during labor.

Options may include comfort measures and medical pain relief, depending on your needs and preferences. Your team will explain what’s available and help you decide what’s right for you.

We review your birth plan when you arrive and support your preferences when it’s safe to do so.

If your care needs change, we’ll explain why and talk through next steps so you can make informed decisions.

You can fill out our birth preferences list and bring it with you to the hospital:

| English | Spanish | Chinese | Arabic |

If your labor or delivery requires extra medical support, your care team will explain your options and act quickly to keep you and your baby safe.

Specialists, including obstetricians and neonatal experts, are available if needed.

Yes. SMCS has a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit.

If your baby needs additional care, your team can provide monitoring, breathing support or specialized treatment without transfer when appropriate.

Yes. Your support person can usually stay with you during labor, birth and recovery. They can help with comfort, communication and bonding after delivery.

Your birthing suite is equipped with seating for visitors and a chair that converts for sleeping so your support person can stay overnight.

After delivery, your care team checks your baby’s breathing, heartbeat and overall health. Learn about the routine newborn procedures that are performed right after your baby is born.