Birth Center

The UCSF Birth Center provides state-of-the-art care in a warm family-oriented environment. Our team of experienced specialists includes obstetricians, certified nurse-midwives, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, pediatricians, neonatologists and lactation consultants. They all work closely together to support you throughout the stages of labor and delivery.

If you think you may be in labor, please call (415) 353-1787. You'll be directed to the advice nurse, who will do an assessment over the phone and determine whether it's time to come to the hospital.

Our birth center features spacious private rooms. Each has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV with Wi-Fi access to educational materials and movies, a sofa bed where your support person can sleep, and a safe. The lighting and temperature are under your control. The labor and delivery rooms have whirlpool tubs that you can use during the birthing process. The center also has three operating rooms for caesarean births.

During labor, you'll be cared for by a team that includes a nurse, attending doctor or certified nurse-midwife, and resident doctor. For those interested in pain-relieving medications, options include intravenous (IV) medications, nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas) or an epidural. We also offer alternative methods of alleviating pain and assisting labor, including a squatting bar, a birthing ball (an exercise ball that may enhance comfort and labor progression), a birth stool (to support an upright position), a mirror (to provide visual feedback on pushing) and a rocking chair. Our goal is for you to have the birth experience you want, with maximum protections for the health of you and your baby.

If you or your child needs special care, we provide a seamless transition to the appropriate specialists and our renowned neonatal intensive care nursery.

Once your baby arrives, we'll bring you to one of our postpartum rooms, where you'll be tended by a nurse who specializes in care during this period. If you have questions about breastfeeding or experience difficulties, a lactation consultant is available.

Most patients stay with us one to two days following a vaginal birth. The stay is typically three to four days following a caesarean delivery.

To explore what the UCSF Birth Center offers, experience our virtual tour online or sign up for an in-person tour. For additional information that will help you prepare for labor and delivery, check out and print the birth center packet or call (415) 514-2670 with questions.