What to Expect if You’re Expecting at: Kaiser Oakland
Last week, I gave the low down on some of the intricacies of Alta Bates in Berkeley. I went over some of the ins and outs of what to expect if you’re planning to have your baby there. To add to the three part series, today I’ll be going over some of the ins and outs of Kaiser Oakland, another one of our “home hospitals.”
Kaiser Oakland:
– Kaiser Oakland is one of my favorite hospitals! First, I love that universally, Kaiser has midwives on staff and typically, the midwives are who will catch your baby. Secondly, their nurses are very kind and warm. I have a very pleasant experience (and my clients do too!) 99% of the time at Kaiser Oakland.
– Unlike Alta Bates, Kaiser Oakland allows more than one support person in triage so your doula can join you in that room.
– Like Alta Bates, only one support person is allowed in the operating room, should the need for a C-section arise. That’s typically your partner.
– Eating/drinking in labor at Kaiser Oakland is permitted. If you have an epidural, narcotics, or need to start Pitocin, they will allow you to have clear liquids only. This can include bone broth (they have packets there) and juice.
– Other general observations: they have a fantastic baby nurse on staff who is so warm and lovely. She comes into your room and talks with you before baby is born about all that she’ll do once he/she arrives. I love that she does this as it gives you an idea of what to expect. If you’re lucky enough to have her be your child’s baby nurse, I’m certain you’ll love her too!
Be on the lookout for the third and final installment of this series where I dive into CPMC in San Francisco!
xo,
Katelyn
Disclaimer: this is based off what I’ve experienced at the births I’ve done at this hospital. There are not any hard numbers to back these up, and therefore it is not “evidence-based,” so please keep that in mind during your own experiences as they may be different than what’s listed here.
