The BirthPlace, Westwood
at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Main Operator – Hospital Information (310) 825-9111
Emergency Department (310) 825-2111
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
After Baby Arrives
We want parents and baby to begin life as a new family as soon as possible after delivery. To help the bonding process and to make sure
you have the support you need, we keep you and your baby together in the same room throughout your hospital stay and assign one
nurse to care for you both.
The Golden Hour
Skin Contact
The first hour of your baby’s life is golden. No matter
how much you plan for your baby’s arrival, nothing
can prepare you for the momentous transitions birth
brings. The BirthPlace, Westwood helps make these
transitions as gentle as possible by giving you, your
partner and your newborn a Golden Hour to come
together for the first time as a family. If you cannot
have bonding time with your baby immediately after
birth for medical reasons, you can start your Golden
Hour whenever you and your baby are ready.
Mother’s chest is the best place for baby to adjust to
life in the outside world. When their skin touches,
the brains of both mother and child are flooded with
brain chemicals that promote a feeling of well-being.
Newborns who have skin-to-skin contact with their
mothers cry less, sleep more and are less irritable
than babies who are swaddled. Skin contact not only
soothes babies and helps regulate their heartbeat and
breath, it also helps the mother by reducing her stress
and helping her milk come in. Because it is such an
important part of the mother-child bonding process,
skin contact should continue through the first few
weeks of your baby’s life.
Monitoring Mother
Your blood pressure will be monitored throughout
your delivery and once you have given birth, you
may receive a uterine massage to help control blood
loss. Once you are stable, you may initiate baby’s
first breastfeeding. When you are ready, you will be
moved to the Maternity Unit, which features private
rooms with private showers.
First Breastfeeding
Because a baby’s urge to seek the breast is strongest
immediately following birth, the Golden Hour is
an ideal time for your baby’s first breastfeeding.
While some women may choose to bottle feed
instead, The BirthPlace, Westwood strongly
encourages new mothers to try breastfeeding. Studies
show that colostrum, the fluid that precedes breast
milk, conveys significant protective factors to your
baby, even if you choose to bottle feed later.
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
Educational Program
Many moms-to-be feel excited but somewhat anxious as baby’s due date approaches. We offer a comprehensive educational program to
help improve your birthing experience and to ease your transition to parenthood. All of our prenatal and postpartum classes are available at
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, and are designed for mothers delivering at either our Westwood or Santa Monica hospital. Topics include
childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, baby care, infant CPR and safety and parenting support. Classes are open to you, your partner or
support person, grandparents and other relatives. To register for all classes or to receive additional information, please call (424) 259-8250.
Breastfeeding Class
Childbirth Preparation
Third Wednesday of every month, excluding holidays.
6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. / $60 per couple
Tuesdays 6:50 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (3 sessions) or
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (4 sessions)
Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$145 per couple for weekday classes
$155 per couple for weekend classes
Health professionals agree that breastfeeding
newborns is healthier than bottle-feeding. Many
new moms opt to breastfeed because it helps foster
bonds between them and their newborns. Taught by
certified lactation specialists, this class will help you
master this important skill. Topics covered include
breast physiology, nutrition, nipple care, breast
pump brands and usage, nursing equipment and
information about breast milk storage. We encourage
partners to attend because those who understand
breastfeeding concepts and techniques provide better
support and understanding.
We recommend you take this class during your last
trimester of pregnancy.
This eight-hour course (three evenings, four
evenings or two weekend afternoons) provides
an overview of the labor and delivery process,
including beginning labor, the different stages
of labor, when to leave for the hospital and what
to expect throughout the birthing experience.
The course features discussion and practice of
pain and stress management techniques (breathing,
relaxation, positioning, attention-focusing),
along with helpful comfort measures. Labor
partners are taught proven strategies for physical
and emotional support. Medication options, medical
intervention and Cesarean births are also covered.
If you register for the breastfeeding class at the
same time, a discount is provided. A Childbirth
Preparation refresher course is also available for
people who have already had a baby. Due to high
demand, you should register three to four months
before your due date.
Bradley Childbirth
Mondays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. / $200 per couple
This eight-week class will introduce you to the
Bradley method, which actively promotes natural
childbirth. Participants work with their bodies
using natural breathing and deep relaxation
techniques during labor.
Our Bradley class emphasizes being an informed
consumer and stresses positive communication with
your team. Topics covered include exercise, nutrition,
breastfeeding, newborn care and consumer issues.
Several birth fi lms are shown. We encourage couples
to take this course at the beginning of their second
trimester of pregnancy. A Bradley refresher course
is also available.
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
Infant Security
UCLA Health System diligently enforces strict security measures to protect your baby’s physical safety from unlikely events such as
abduction. Please familiarize yourself with the following precautionary measures that the medical center and its Perinatal Unit have
in place to secure your newborn’s safety.
Staff Identification
All hospital personnel must prominently display
a UCLA Health System identification badge. Th is
badge shows the authorized staff member’s name,
title and department. Perinatal staff badges will
include a pink stripe. If you are unsure about a
staff member, please ask a nurse to verify the
person’s identity.
Baby Bracelets and Security Tags
As soon as your baby is delivered, two bracelets
will be placed on your baby’s wrist or ankles. The
bracelets are marked with a five-digit code, your
baby’s sex, birth date and time, and the mother’s
name. For further identification verification, you
and your partner will also each receive a bracelet
with the same information as listed on your baby’s
bracelet. Your bracelet and your baby’s bracelet
will be matched and verified throughout your
stay and upon leaving the hospital.
In addition, an electronic security tag is attached to
your baby’s umbilical cord clamp, which contains an
electronic security sensor. This will activate an audible
alarm if the baby is taken out of the Perinatal Unit.
A hospital-wide system is in place to respond to this
alarm. Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU) are continuously monitored by the NICU
staff and will receive an electronic security tag when
they leave the NICU and arrive in the Nursery.
Baby Photos
For security reasons, a nurse will photograph your
baby shortly after his or her birth. This digital
photograph will be deleted upon discharge from the
hospital. For more details, please contact your nurse.
Video Surveillance
Certain areas of the hospital, including the Perinatal
Unit, exits, stairways, elevators and hallways are
under 24-hour videotape surveillance.
Transporting Your Baby
All babies are transported in their cribs. Staff
members may not carry babies out of the rooms
in their arms. Please stop anyone who tries to do
so or contact your nurse immediately.
Walking in the Halls or
Leaving Your Room
You are welcome to stroll with your baby in our unit
hallways; however, the baby must remain in his or her
bassinet. Please remember that your baby’s umbilical
cord clamp may accidentally sound the alarms
located at the exits.
If this happens, a staff member will question you to
verify your identity. We request that you not leave
your baby unattended at any time, even when you use
the bathroom or shower in your room. If a family
member is not available to watch your infant, please
close the door to your room or you may request your
nurse watch your baby in the meantime. If you have any
questions, please ask your labor or postpartum nurse.
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
Parking and Campus Directory
Where We Are
Driving Directions
The BirthPlace, Westwood at
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
757 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
From the San Diego Freeway (405):
From the north, exit Wilshire East; or from the
south, exit Wilshire Westwood. At the third traffic
light, turn left on Westwood Blvd. Proceed across
Le Conte Avenue and at the next light, Medical
Plaza Drive, turn left and follow the ramp down to
the parking lot below. Additional entrance is found
north of Le Conte Avenue on Gayley Avenue, two
blocks west of Westwood Plaza.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hospital Information
Patient Information
Emergency Department
Information Desk (First Floor)
(310) 794-7274
(310) 825-9111
(310) 825-8611
(310) 825-2111
(310) 267-9119
Parking Booth Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Short-Term Parking
The daily single-entry parking fee is a flat rate of $11.
Daily single entry with disabled person’s placard/
license plate is $3. You can pay at the pay station,
the discharge lobby pay station or the parking
cashier at the exit on level P. (Rates subject to
change without notice.)
Long-Term Parking
The 24-hour parking fee is $20 with in-and-out
privileges. Parking fees with disabled person’s
parking placard is $7 with in-and-out privileges.
Please show your disabled person’s placard to
the valet attendant.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
Take the San Diego Freeway northbound to Wilshire
Blvd. East, and proceed as previously described.
From the East via the 10 (Santa Monica Freeway):
Take 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) East to 405
(San Diego Freeway) North, and exit on Wilshire
Blvd. East. Proceed on route as previously described.
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
As a patient at The BirthPlace, Westwood, you are entitled to certain rights regarding privacy, patient safety, advance directives and other
issues. You also have some responsibilities while receiving care at our hospital.
Patient Rights
You have many rights as a patient in accordance with
requirements of the Joint Commission on Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations; Title 22, California
Code of Regulations, Section 70707: and Medicare
Conditions of Participation. They are posted
throughout the hospital and available online and
upon request from the Admissions Department.
They are also described at the end of this document
for your convenience.
Patient Responsibilities
As a patient, you have the responsibility to:
• Treat those who are treating you with respect
and courtesy.
• Be considerate of the rights of other patients and
hospital personnel.
• Observe the medical center’s rules and regulations,
including the Visitor and No Smoking policies.
• Be as accurate and complete as possible when
providing information about your medical history
and present condition, including your level of pain.
• Cooperate fully with the instructions given to you
by those providing your care.
• Fulfi ll the financial obligations of your health
care, know your insurance benefits and eligibility
requirements, and inform the hospital of changes
in your benefits.
• Provide a copy of your Advance Directive (Durable
Power of Attorney for Healthcare) if you have one.
Infant Safety and Security
For the safety of your baby, you and the baby’s
father or your support person will be given
identification bracelets to wear during your stay.
Please wear the bracelets until you and your baby
are discharged. The bracelet is one component
of a comprehensive Infant Security System in
place at The BirthPlace, Westwood.
All hospital personnel who care for you and your
baby should be wearing a UCLA Health System
badge. If someone is not wearing a badge, ask for
identification or call your nurse.
Please do not leave your baby unattended in your
room. If you are alone and need to shower or use
the restroom, call your nurse for assistance. Always
make sure your baby is being transported in a
bassinet. Carrying your baby in the hallways is
not permitted.
Child Passenger Safety Law
California law requires that all children be restrained
in a federally approved car seat when traveling by
automobile. The law remains in effect until the child
is age 6 and weighs at least 60 pounds. You must
have an infant car seat to transport your baby home.
Remember that all babies under 1 year of age must
be secured in a car seat facing backward in the
back seat for at least one year but preferably two,
on recommendations by safety experts.
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The BirthPlace
W E S T W O O D
Screenings and Vaccinations
Families choose to bring their babies into the world at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center because they know we provide the highest-quality
care, tailored to their individual needs, in a safe and supportive environment. That care for you and your baby’s health doesn’t end after
delivery. To make sure your family stays healthy, we offer important health screens and vaccines to babies and their mothers.
Keeping Your Baby Healthy
For the sake of your baby’s health, your newborn
will receive several tests and vaccinations — some of
them required by the state of California — following
birth. All babies are screened, even if they look
healthy, in order to check for a number of potentially
serious conditions, some of which can be lifethreatening. Discovering these conditions soon after
birth can save a baby’s life or help prevent serious
problems, such as brain damage. Parents may refuse
any of these tests for their babies. If they refuse the
state-mandated Newborn Screening Test, they must
submit a signed waiver to the state of California
indicating they are aware of the risks.
Newborn Screens/Vaccines
To make sure your baby is healthy and stays healthy,
The Birth Place, Westwood provides all newborns
with a state-mandated Newborn Screening Test and
several other recommended tests and vaccines before
they leave the hospital. A single heel prick provides
blood for two of the tests, while other painless tests
check your baby’s hearing and oxygen levels. Because
newborns are vulnerable to infections, we also offer
several vaccines to you and your newborn to protect
you both against certain infectious diseases. Parents
may refuse any of these tests or vaccines.
Tests for Your Baby
1. California Newborn Screening Test
This is a blood test to check newborns for a number of
metabolic abnormalities, including phenylketonuria
(PKU), hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis. This
state-required test is administered through a small
prick to the heel. The blood sample is sent to a
newborn screening lab for testing. If parents refuse
to have their baby undergo the state-mandated
Newborn Screening Test, they must submit a signed
waiver to the state of California indicating they
are aware of the risks.
2. Newborn Hearing Screen
The state also requires newborns to undergo a
hearing test that checks the brain’s response to
sound. For this test, a sensor is placed on the baby’s
head to monitor brain wave activity while the baby
listens to a series of soft tones through a pair of
headphones. This quick and painless test can be
done while the baby sleeps.
3. Pulse Oximetry
This safe and painless test helps to detect certain
types of congenital heart disease that might
otherwise not be discovered before leaving the
hospital. Early detection improves treatment results
and can prevent death. The test can also reveal other
treatable conditions, such as pneumonia. The test
measures the level of oxygen in the baby’s blood,
using a sensor that is gently wrapped around the
baby’s hand and foot for a few minutes.
4. Bilirubin Check
Bilirubin, a by-product of the recycling of red blood
cells, is excreted by the liver into the bile, and leaves
the body via the stool. Before birth, the bilirubin
made by the fetus crosses the placenta and is excreted
by the mother. After birth, it takes a few days for
the baby to turn on the mechanisms in the liver
that allow the baby to excrete bilirubin efficiently.
During that time, the level of bilirubin in the baby’s
blood rises. This is a normal process, and occurs in
all babies to some extent. If the bilirubin level is high
enough, it produces a yellow-orange color of the skin,
which is called jaundice. Jaundice in babies is very
common, and normally does not cause any problems.
However, in some babies, the bilirubin can rise to
extremely high levels and cause permanent brain
injury. Safe and effective treatment is available to
Planning for Your Child’s Birth
Delivery
Baby Care Plan
I would like the following people present with me during delivery:
Feeding the Baby
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
I would like to (check one):
F
Breastfeed exclusively
F
Bottle feed
F
Combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding
F
Unless it needs to be done to ensure my baby’s safety, I would prefer
not to have an episiotomy.
Circumcision
F
I have made prior arrangements for storing umbilical cord blood.
F
For a vaginal birth, I would like (choose as many as you wish):
F
To use a mirror to see the baby’s birth.
F
My labor coach to help support me during the pushing stage.
F
For the room to be as quiet as possible.
F
For one of my support persons to cut the umbilical cord.
F
For the lights to be dimmed.
F
For my baby to be put directly onto my abdomen after delivery
(unless my baby’s condition requires immediate medical intervention).
If my baby is a boy, I would like my baby circumcised at the hospital
or birthing center.
Cultural or Religious Preferences
F
Yes F No
If yes, please specify:
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
After Delivery
F
I would like to begin skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth to promote
attachment and successful breastfeeding. In the event of a Cesarean delivery,
I would like the following person(s) to be present with me:
———————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————
F
I would like to see my baby before he or she is given eye drops.
F
I would like one of my support persons to hold the baby after delivery
if I am unable to.
———————————————————————————————————Patient
Name (Print)
———————————————————————————————————Patient
Signature
———————————————————————————————————Date/Time
The BirthPlace
it begins with U
W E S T W O O D
Planning for Your Child’s Birth
We know you have many choices in deciding where to give birth to your child and thank you for considering Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical
Center, which is consistently ranked among the finest hospitals in the United States. By choosing us, you can rest assured you and your
baby will receive the excellent and personalized care you want with the technology and safety you need.
Pre-Admission Registration
Choosing a Pediatrician
Financial Information
When a woman in labor is ready to give birth, she
doesn’t need the additional stress of fi lling out
insurance and hospital registration forms. That’s
why The BirthPlace, Westwood offers pre-admission
registration to expectant mothers. If you have a
UCLA Medical Record Number (MRN), you are
already preregistered and only need to tell the
Admissions office your due date. Obstetricians
who work in clinics or private offices affi liated
with UCLA usually submit Pre-Admission
Registration forms for their patients, but you
can also preregister yourself if your obstetrician
does not offer this service.
In the first year of your baby’s life, you will visit the
pediatrician for well-baby visits at least six times, so
it’s important you choose a doctor you trust and like.
UCLA Health System makes the decision easy by
providing you with convenient access to dozens
of top-quality physicians in your neighborhood.
For a list of UCLA pediatricians near you, go to
www.uclahealth.org or call (800)825-2631. Most
UCLA pediatricians offer a getting-to-know-you
visit to help you learn more about them. Some
items to discuss with your prospective pediatrician
include breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding,
circumcision, newborn screenings and hearing
tests, examinations and vaccinations.
The cost of having a baby at The BirthPlace, Westwood
varies according to your insurance coverage, the type
of delivery and your length of stay. We suggest you talk
to your insurance company about your coverage and
then speak with one of our financial counselors. They
can answer your questions and provide more detailed
information about accepted insurance plans and any
other charges you may incur.
If you do not have a UCLA MRN, please fill out a
Pre-Admission Registration form as soon as possible
during your pregnancy. Forms are available in the
Admissions office on the first floor of Ronald
Reagan UCLA Medical Center. When labor begins
and your doctor instructs you to come to our
hospital, you can go directly to our Labor and
Delivery Unit on the fift h floor. Please remember
to bring your insurance card and some form of
identification, such as a driver’s license.
We strongly encourage you to choose your baby’s
pediatrician before you are admitted for delivery and
request that you provide us with the doctor’s name,
address and phone number so we can forward all
test results to his or her office. Please be advised that
every baby delivered at The BirthPlace, Westwood
is seen by a neonatologist, a pediatrician with extra
training to care for sick babies. If you also want your
pediatrician to visit your newborn at the hospital,
you will need to make those arrangements yourself.
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay
Notes
The BirthPlace
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W E S T W O O D
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay
We are proud to be your partner in this exciting moment in your family’s life. Our goal is to offer the highest-quality care in the safest and
most supportive environment possible. We hope the following tips will help you prepare for your big day.
What to do When Labor Starts
While every woman’s experience of labor is unique,
expectant mothers undergo the following changes
before giving birth: they have uterine contractions,
the baby moves down into the birth canal, and the
cervix starts to open. You may have some painful
contractions for days or even weeks before giving
birth, but labor doesn’t begin until the contractions
become regular and strong enough to stretch open
the cervix. If you can stay calm during the process,
your contractions will be easier to endure. It’s a
good idea to have someone with you during labor
to provide comfort and company. Although it may
not be easy to relax, there are some things you can
do to help keep yourself calm:
• If your water bag hasn’t broken, take a warm
bath or shower.
• Try lying on your side with pillows for support
while listening to music.
• Meditate. Think about the way you are breathing
and let your head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs
feel heavy and loose. When a contraction begins,
take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Continue
to breathe slowly until the contraction passes.
• Take a walk. Standing and walking helps the
baby’s head move lower into the pelvis, which
can shorten labor.
As your due date approaches, the three most
important things you need to know are WHEN
to go to the hospital, WHO to call and WHERE
to go when you arrive.
When to go to the Hospital
Your Contractions are Stronger and
Closer Together
If this is your first baby, you should go to the
hospital when your contractions last 45 to 60
seconds each and have been coming every three
to four minutes for at least two hours. If you’ve
had a baby before, go to the hospital when your
contractions have been coming every five to
seven minutes for at least one hour.
Your Water Breaks
You do not need to wait for your water bag to
break before you go to the hospital. However, if
you feel water leaking or gushing from the vagina,
you should go immediately to the hospital as the
breaking of the water bag can be one of the last
things that happens before your baby is born.
You are Bleeding Heavily
It is normal to have a small amount of blood and
mucus discharge known as “bloody show” when
the cervix starts to open. You do not need to go
to the hospital for bloody show. Wait until your
contractions are stronger and closer together.
Bright red bleeding that looks like a menstrual
period is not common and may be a sign of
hemorrhage, which needs immediate medical
care. If you are bleeding heavily, do not stand up
or walk. Lie down and stay on your side on your
way to the hospital.
Who to Call
Please notify your obstetrician and your pediatrician
when you are going to the hospital. If you are not
sure whether it is time, please call your obstetrician
or ask one of our Labor and Delivery nurses for
advice. You may be able to avoid arriving too early
or too late. The following phone number is available
24 hours a day.
UCLA Labor and Delivery: (310) 267-7560
If you think it is too late to get to the hospital, call
911. Paramedics will come and assist you if your
baby is about to be born. They may also arrange
for an ambulance to take you to the hospital. If
paramedics decide there is no urgency, they may
instruct you to go to the hospital in your own car.
Congratulations
on your pregnancy and welcome to one of
Southern California’s most comprehensive maternity centers at one of the top five hospitals
in the nation. The BirthPlace, Westwood provides family-centered care and offers a wide
range of personalized services to make your birthing experience an event to cherish.
At The BirthPlace, Westwood we offer the highest-quality healthcare professionals and the
latest proven technology in a serene, patient-oriented setting to ensure a safe and comfortable
birthing experience. Our elegant Labor/Delivery/Recovery rooms are designed to recreate
the feel of a home or hotel room.
After your delivery, you and your baby will be moved to one of our comfortable maternity
rooms in the Postpartum Unit. To encourage bonding, we keep you and your baby together
as much as possible throughout your hospital stay.
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