Mother-Baby Health
 | Key Takeaways |
- El Camino Health offers award-winning delivery and postpartum care in Mountain View and Los Gatos. Each year, we welcome around 5,000 babies into the world — the highest number of deliveries in the area.
- Private birthing suites, on-site NICUs and a dedicated care team ensure safe, personalized labor and recovery experiences for new parents and babies.
- We support your transition home with breastfeeding guidance, postpartum resources and ongoing family care.
When Should I Go to the Hospital?
Labor, especially early labor, can last for a long time. Your care team can help you assess when you should go to the hospital for labor and delivery.
Mountain View
At the Mountain View campus, labor and delivery, the obstetrics emergency department and mother-baby units are located on the first floor of the Orchard Pavilion. Once you arrive, go directly to labor and delivery. Checking in at the emergency department will delay your admission to the labor and delivery unit.
Wheelchairs are available in the Orchard Pavilion lobby. Our 24/7 security staff can help direct you to the right place.
Los Gatos
At our Los Gatos campus, the birthing wing is inside the main hospital. You can enter through the front doors during the day (5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.) or through the emergency department at night (8 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.).
Wheelchairs are available in the main lobby. Security and screening personnel can help guide you where you need to go.
Who Is on My Labor and Delivery Team?
During labor and delivery, you’ll have the reassurance of a full team by your side. Our providers include:
- Anesthesiologists
- Dietitians
- Laboratory personnel
- Lactation specialists
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Nurses and clinical nurse specialists
- OB technologists
- Obstetricians and OB hospitalists
- Pediatricians
- Pharmacists, including a dedicated NICU pharmacist
This team works together to ensure seamless, coordinated care. For families with high-risk pregnancies, our specialists meet weekly to review care plans so that everything is ready before you arrive at the hospital.
Labor and Delivery
Our birthing suites offer natural light, privacy and wireless monitoring so you can move freely during labor. We provide supportive tools like peanut balls and other birth equipment to help you through contractions. For added peace of mind, both campuses have on-site neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) if your baby needs extra care after birth.
Recovery and Bonding With Your Baby
After your baby’s arrival, our team is here to support your recovery and your first moments together. We encourage skin-to-skin contact right away and help you hold your baby safely, even if you’ve had a C-section. Breastfeeding guidance is available as soon as your baby is ready to feed.
When you’re ready, you’ll move to one of our private mother-baby rooms. Here, you can recover while keeping your baby close for bonding and breastfeeding. Strong safety and security practices are in place so you can focus on rest and time with your newborn.
We know the first hours and days may bring questions or concerns. During all care transfers, our team fully assesses you and your baby to ensure you both receive the attention and support you need.
Visitor Guidelines
We want your family and support network to be a part of your baby’s arrival while keeping everyone safe. At our Mountain View and Los Gatos maternity units, you’ll deliver in private spaces designed for comfort, safety and family involvement.
For everyone’s safety, people experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath will not be permitted to visit. For the latest updates, including the number of visitors allowed and visiting hours, see our Visitors Information.
Transition to Home After Birth
Taking your baby home is a special milestone. We’ll guide you so you feel ready when the time comes. Before discharge, your care team will work with you to create a personalized plan for recovery and newborn care at home. We’ll answer questions, prepare you for what to expect in the first days and connect you to ongoing resources, including breastfeeding support.
How to Safely Harness Your Child Into a Car Seat
Before you head home, it’s important to know how to safely secure your newborn in their car seat. In this short video, our team walks you through each step so you can feel confident and prepared for the ride.
What Are Postpartum Depression Symptoms?
It’s normal to feel tired or emotional after giving birth, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks or start to interfere with daily life, it might be postpartum depression. Common signs include:
- Changes in appetite or sleep (beyond what’s expected with a newborn)
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Excessive crying or mood swings
- Feeling anxious, restless or overwhelmed
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness or emptiness
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, reach out to your provider right away. If you ever feel like you might act on harmful thoughts, call 911 immediately or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Gift Shops
Our on-site gift shops make it easy to find flowers, gifts and everyday essentials during your visit.
At the Mountain View campus, the Gift Connection offers cards, books, fresh flowers and gift items. Call 650-962-5873 for same-day or next-day delivery to patient rooms. Also in the main lobby, the Health Connection features natural body products, teas, comfortable clothing and recovery items.
At the Los Gatos campus, the Gift Connection carries flowers, snacks, cards, newborn supplies, nursing bras and breast pump rentals. Floral delivery is available by calling 408-866-3801.
Both shops are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds directly benefit El Camino Health programs and services.
People Also Ask
How do I choose between the Mountain View and Los Gatos campuses for delivery?
In most cases, your delivery location will be determined by where your OB or midwife practices, though some families may consider proximity to their home or pediatrician when choosing. Both locations offer private birthing suites, NICU support and family-centered care.
What should I arrange at home before bringing my newborn back from the hospital?
It helps to set up a safe sleep space, stock newborn supplies like diapers and wipes, prepare meals, and arrange extra support from family and friends. Your care team can provide tips before discharge.
Does El Camino Health offer postpartum classes or support groups for new parents?
Yes. We offer postpartum resources, such as lactation classes, support groups and referrals to community programs, so your family feels supported beyond your hospital stay.
Will my insurance cover delivery and postpartum care?
We accept many major insurance plans. Coverage varies, so it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider and our financial counselors before your due date.