Your Hospital Stay
After your labor and delivery, our goal is to continue providing high-quality care and a safe environment for you and your baby during your hospital stay.
This is an important bonding time and transition for your family. We're here to support you in your recovery and caring for your newborn. We practice family-centered care, where partners and support people are welcome.See Postpartum Care and Support
Length of Stay
Your stay is in a quiet environment where specialized nurses care for you and your baby.
The average hospital stay is:
- Low-intervention birth: 1 - 2 days
- Cesarean section delivery: 3 - 4 days
Visiting Hours and Policies
In general, visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with exceptions allowed in some circumstances. Family members may visit later or stay overnight, but please speak to your medical team for more information.
In our maternity rooms, we offer "nap time" from 2 to 4 p.m. During this time, parents and babies can rest with minimal interruption. See Visitors Information for all hospital policies.
Amenities
Your health and comfort are our top priorities during your hospital stay.
Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital
We're committed to supporting families who choose to breastfeed. We combine the skills of physicians, nurse practitioners, certified lactations consultants, and lactation educators to provide support for you and your baby.Breastfeeding Support
NICU Care
Both of our hospitals offer NICUs for babies who need special care, including a Level II Intermediate NICU at Hillcrest Medical Center and a Level III NICU at Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla. Our NICUs also offer highly experienced lactation consultants through the Supporting Premature Infant Nutrition (SPIN) program.Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs)
Follow-up Care
The newborn health care team will communicate with your baby's medical provider. On the day you go home, you'll receive written discharge instructions for making follow-up appointments for you and your baby.
More information for Your Stay
UC San Diego Health Earns Highest Ranking for Obstetric, Infant Care
For the fourth year in a row, UC San Diego Health is recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
Pumping it Forward: Patient Gives Back to Support Babies
Inspired by her baby’s experience receiving donor breast milk in the NICU at UC San Diego Health, mom becomes a milk donor herself
A Wee Nuzzle: NICU Program Focuses on Breastfeeding Support
A program in the neonatal intensive care unit at UC San Diego Health helps parents hoping to breastfeed their babies.