Birth Options in Monterey County

One of the most important decisions you will make regarding you birth is who your provider will be and where you will have your baby. I dedicate an entire two to two and a half hour class to this decision. Many couples believe that which ever hospital is closest to their home should be where they birth. However, all hospitals are not created equal. Like any business, they provide different services, options, and amenities. If you are in Salinas, Monterey, or anywhere in between you are blessed with five hospitals to choose from within 45 minutes of you, which is more than enough time to travel to your birth place, even if you have very fast labors! Choose carefully, where ever you choose to bring your baby into this world will impact your birth immensely.

In class we are able to cover many details like induction rates, which hospitals are doula friendly, and where your decisions like to eat in labor, labor in a variety of positions, or birth in an upright position are most likely to be honored... after all... these are YOUR decisions to make, not your doctor's. If you choose a doctor or hospital that tells you upfront that these are not your decisions, I may not be able help you achieve the birth you want.

To help simplify this choice just a bit, I put together this chart. It compares Natividad Medical Center, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Dominican Hospital, Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, and home birth. It is available in printable PDF form here. This is something you are welcome to print and share! I hope you find it helpful.

Learn more about local hospitals and read reviews from local women:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Dominican Hospital
Natividad Medical Center
Salinas Valley Memorial
Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center