Contra Costa Regional Medical Center

Information gathered December, 2000 - Thank you Valeri!

GENERAL
Address: 2500 Alhambra Ave Martinez CA 94553
Main phone #:(925) 370-5000
L&D phone #: (925) 370-5608
Directions from a major freeway/street: -
Parking information (where do you park? are there any parking fees?): parking can be tight
L&D location (floor, how to get there from parking lot): 5th floor

AMENITIES
What kind of rooms? (L&D, LDRP..)LDR, remolded in 1998.
Cafeteria hours/what is their food like: -
Refreshments available at L&D: (juice? coffee? snacks?) Yes, extra food trays sometimes available
Microwave available? yes
TV/VCR/CD available? yes
Showers/Tubs/Jacuzzis in rooms? On floor? waterbirth available? Private shower in each room. Private labor tubs have been allowed in.
Telemetry units available? waterproof telemetry? No
Birth Balls provided? They did have one, but it vanished. Balls are allowed in and encouraged.
Birthing stools available? No
Does this hospital have a doula program? Yes. Free volunteer doulas are available.
What level of nursery does it have? Level 2
Can newborn assessments be done bedside? Yes
Is baby taken to nursery? if so, how soon and for how long? Typically. Usually within a few hours of the birth short a short while.
Can both partner and doula attend cesareans? 1 support person allowed into surgery only.

POLICIES
Eating/drinking in labor? Clear fluid only
Fetal monitoring? baseline EFM upon admission. Intermittent if requested, usually left in place if mother is not ambulatory
IV/heplock: Not routine for low risk mothers.
Walking after rupture of membranes? Yes
Pushing positions: Hill Rom birthing beds, squat bar available. Mothers choice is often respected.

STATISTICS
Epidural rate 50%
VBAC rate - -
Cesarean rate - dependent upon practitioner, lower than avg. per California Consumer HealthScope
How many births a month/year are done here? Approximately 120 a month.
Comments from doulas who have attended there: "CCRMC is a county hospital facility. At one time it allowed CNMs to practice there, but currently there are no midwives available. Because of the family practice residency program, many of the doctors are still learning. Some seem more interested in acquiring new skills and mastering the use of various technology than allowing the birth process to unfold. Many of the doctors though are fantastic though and quite open.

The doula program is a plus. If a doula is available, any woman who desires the presence of a doula is provided this service for free. The nurses and doctors are very supportive of the doulas. "

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