Preregister for Your Delivery
You have a lot on your plate as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Preregistering your maternity admission with El Camino Health helps ensure a smooth check-in when the time comes. We recommend you register when you are around 24-30 weeks’ gestation.
Once we receive your registration, we'll process your information, verify your insurance and plan for your admission to the hospital. Find information on how to preregister for your maternity admission.
Preparing Your Birth Preferences
We want you to have the birth experience you are hoping for while keeping you and your baby safe and comfortable. Similar to a birth plan, our Birth Preference sheet includes a list of your choices for how to care for you and your baby during and after delivery. Make sure to bring these birth preferences with you and share them with your delivery team at the hospital. Your care team reviews your preferences and works with you to make sure you feel empowered to voice your wishes throughout your labor and delivery.
Hospital Packing List
As you get closer to your due date, you can pack a bag with some items to make your hospital stay more comfortable. Don’t worry if you forget something — we’ll provide you with all the necessities you and your baby need postpartum, including postpartum care products, baby care products (including diapers, formula, bodysuits and blankets), breast pumps and breastfeeding gowns. We’ll also provide additional bedding and towels for you and your partner as needed.
What to Pack for You
- Birth Preference sheet
- Comfortable pillow and blanket
- Entertainment items including books, magazines and a portable speaker
- Going-home outfit (front-opening shirts help with breastfeeding)
- Identification and insurance cards
- Nursing bras (1-2)
- Nightgowns (1-2) and a comfortable robe
- Nonperishable snacks
- Personal care items, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair ties, moisturizer, deodorant and lip balm
- Phone and charger
- Refillable water bottle (we recommend one with a straw)
- Slippers or socks
What to Pack for Your Partner
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable pillow and blanket
- Nonperishable snacks
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
What to Pack for Your Baby
- A new infant car seat (required by California law)
- A baby blanket for going home
- A going home outfit for baby
- Note: Do not bring formula from home, as your baby cannot have it in the hospital.
Getting 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. If you think you are in labor, call your provider right away to discuss next steps.
Mountain View
Labor & Delivery, the Obstetrics Emergency Department and our mother-baby units are located on the first floor of the Orchard Pavilion. Take the elevator to the first floor and enter across the hall. If you are headed to Labor & Delivery, go straight there. Going to the emergency department will delay your admission to the Women’s Hospital.
You can find wheelchairs in the Orchard Pavilion lobby. Security personnel, available 24/7 in the lobby, can help direct you to the right place.
Los Gatos
Our birthing wing is in the main hospital and you can find wheelchairs in the main lobby. Access the hospital through:
Front door: 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Emergency department: 8 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.
Security and screening personnel are always available and can help direct you where you need to go.