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.

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.

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.

One of the most important choices you will make as a new parent is feeding your newborn. Because every baby and family is unique, we work with you to create a feeding plan that is backed by research and follows our six guiding principles.

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

• Classes at Memorial Hospital
• Classes at Mercy Hospital Southwest

Merced

• Classes at Mercy Medical Center

Stockton

• Classes at St. Joseph’s Medical Center

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:

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

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.

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.

• Bakersfield

  • Memorial Hospital

  • Mercy Hospital Southwest

• St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton

• Mercy Medical Center Merced