COVID-19 Precautions for the Birth Center

We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local authorities to ensure we continue to deliver safe, quality care while limiting further spread of the virus. As such, we have implemented a variety of infection prevention measures and extra precautions:

  • Laboring women should call their OB/GYN or certified nurse midwife (CNM) provider for initial triage and symptom screening before coming to the hospital.
  • Any patient with respiratory symptoms or fever are separated from our maternity patients.
  • We have always encouraged discharge as soon as it’s safe to return home and we will continue to do so.
  • Once directed to come to the hospital, laboring women should enter through Mission Hospital’s main entrance at Tower 1. Disregard the “no visitors” sign.
    • You and your support person will be screened and provided a mask. If your support person does not pass the symptom screening, they will not be able to enter. Please note that you and your support person must wear a mask for the entirety of your stay.
    • Your support person will "shelter in" with you in your room and may not leave the hospital prior to discharge. Additionally, the same individual must serve as your support person throughout your stay and cannot be rotated.
    • Meals will be provided for you both.
  • We have implemented a no visitor policy to reduce the risk of exposure. Please note that this policy does NOT apply to your partner during your stay at the hospital. Please contact the Birth Center at 949-485-8648 with any questions or concerns.
  • Park in 20-minute parking and bring your belongings with you.
    • The main entrance is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • At night, between the hours of 5 p.m. to 6 a.m., please call the Birth Center at 949-365-2141 to tell them you are have arrived at the Tower 1 entrance. A caregiver will promptly come to let you in. If your call is not quickly answered, please call 949-365-2151.
  • If your delivery is imminent, you have unusual bleeding or you have a medical concern unrelated to your pregnancy – you must go to the Emergency Department immediately.

We recognize that these new processes are inconvenient but given the COVID-19 pandemic we have implemented these precautions for your safety, as well as the safety of your child and family.

We encourage you to call your OB/GYN provider or CNM if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy or delivery. Additionally, please call if you are concerned about any potential exposure to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing any fever or respiratory symptoms.

As a reminder, the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and loved ones are to wash or sanitize your hands often for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cough into a tissue or the crook of your elbow.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care. In these unprecedented times, please know we are here for you and remain deeply committed to ensuring safe, high quality care for you and your family.