The talented OB physicians on the medical staff at Barstow Community Hospital (BCH) have delivered thousands of little ones into the world. These physicians entrust their patients to our hospital because of the dedicated and compassionate staff who care for new moms and babies in our warm, welcoming environment. The new Barstow Community Hospital (BCH) maternity wing is designed with the comfort of a gracious home. Our experienced staff members are ready to provide quality centered care to Barstow-area expectant mothers and their families.

Birthing Suites

The day of a child’s birth is momentous for each family, and the BCH maternity wing partners with mom and her support person (or persons) to keep everyone comfortable and informed throughout the experience. Each spacious birthing suite (also called an LDRP room) includes a specially designed birthing bed as well as a private shower for added comfort as labor progresses. We make every effort to keep moms in the birthing suites for their entire stay. All birthing equipment is housed in the suite, so there’s no need to move mom as the moment draws near. From labor through delivery and postpartum, mom and baby will stay in this same room until they’re ready to go home.

Moms and dads will enjoy special comforts in our maternity suites that include:

• A sleeping recliner which allows mom’s support partner to stay the night
• Abundant natural light from the large windows
• Wi-Fi Internet access
• HDTV
• Individual temperature controls

Postpartum Rooms

If a cesarean section is necessary, the operating room is just steps away. After a C-section delivery, moms will recover in our hotel-like postpartum rooms, designed to pamper mom and her support team. Tours to familiarize you with the new BCH Birthing Center at Barstow Community Hospital can be made by making an appointment with the OB department at 760-957-3323.

Meet Our Physicians

		Patrick Chao, MD, OB/GYN
		Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Patrick Chao, M.D., opened Women’s Comprehensive Health Center in Barstow with his wife, Susan Tan, M.D., in 2003. Dr. Chao received his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa., and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens, in New York. Dr. Chao is dedicated to providing personal obstetric and gynecologic services with individualized attention and enhanced care, all in a comfortable and compassionate environment. “I enjoy caring for patients at Barstow Community Hospital. The maternity services are stellar. My patients receive wonderful care in a beautiful new labor and delivery unit. I would definitely recommend it to family members for their deliveries.” His office is located at 309 E. Mountain View, Suite 110. To make an appointment, call (760) 255-3900 today.
		James Pinto, MD, OB/GYN
		Dr. Pinto chose to bring his skill and caring home to Barstow. James Leonard Pinto, M.D., joined BCH’s medical staff as a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist in February 2011. Dr. Pinto moved his private practice to Barstow from Elgin, Ill. He has extensive training and experience in most areas of obstetrics and gynecology and has been in practice for nearly 25 years. Dr. Pinto completed medical school at Northeastern University Medical School in Tampico, Mexico. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology internship at Northeastern Ohio Medical School in Akron and his residency at Pennsylvania State University Medical School in Hershey. After completing his residency, Dr. Pinto opened his private practice in Elgin. “One of the reasons I practice at Barstow Community Hospital is that my patients receive individual attention. A woman should have that kind of care on what may be the most important day in her life. I’ve worked at larger hospitals, and I consider it an honor to care for patients here. The doctors, nurses and staff use highly advanced technology and procedures, but stay focused on the patient’s unique needs. Plus, the labor and delivery suites are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen.” For more information on Dr. Pinto, click here.

In addition to our beautiful new maternity suites, well-trained physicians and seasoned OB staff, bringing your baby into the world at Barstow Community Hospital comes with several other perks:

We’re Baby Friendly!

BCH received international recognition as a baby-friendly birth facility through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. BCH was required to complete 10 steps to obtain this designation, one of them being to encourage babies to room with mom from the beginning. This promotes breastfeeding, bonding and reassures mom that her new bundle of joy is secure with her at all times.

Lactation Services/New Family Follow-Up Center

At Barstow Community Hospital, assistance with breastfeeding is offered by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). After your baby is born, a lactation consultant will visit you in the hospital Mondays through Fridays to help ensure success with breastfeeding. Outpatient consultations may be scheduled as needed after discharge from the hospital through our New Family Follow-Up Center -- a professional support program designed to promote infant bonding and support for the breastfeeding family. The center is an exclusive benefit of Barstow Community Hospital and all services are provided FREE. Located at 309 E. Mountain View St., Suite 102, in Barstow, the New Family Follow-Up Center services include:

• Lactation Specialist Services – Including valuable information regarding newborn nutrition for mom
• Parent/Infant Attachment Education
• Infant Feeding Education
• Mother/Infant Assessments
• Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
  First Wednesday of the month
  5 to 6:30 p.m.
  New Family Follow-Up Center
  309 E. Mountain View Ave., Suite 102, Barstow
• Breastfeeding Support Group for New Moms
  Every Wednesday
  1 to 5 p.m.
  New Family Follow-Up Center
  309 E. Mountain View Ave., Suite 102, Barstow

For more information on BCH’s New Family Follow-Up Center, breastfeeding classes or the breastfeeding support group, call the New Family Follow-up Center at 760-256-9842.

Information to set you at ease

• Prepared Child Birth Classes

  We offer birthing classes to new moms or those who would like a refresher. The classes run five consecutive Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Call 760-957-3323 for more information on the start date for the next series of classes.

• OB Unit Tour

  For your peace of mind, you are welcome to schedule a tour, meet with our staff and ask any questions you have related to your day of delivery.

• Access to Health Resources

  Information via our website through our Health Resources link -- you have access to a wealth of current information on pregnancy and childbirth.  
• Free Book: What to Expect When You're Expecting
  Barstow Community Hospital's Auxiliary provides you with this book free of charge to help guide you through your pregnancy. Filled with helpful tips and information about your changing body, developing baby and what you can do to fully enjoy pregnancy and the birth of your child, this book is a "must have."

Keepsakes

A special collection of keepsakes to help celebrate the birth of your child - When your baby finally arrives, Tiny Toes will make sure you have a few memorable keepsakes from our staff including:

• An attractive certificate featuring your baby's height, weight and time of birth.
• A digital photo of your baby posted on our Online Nursery. (Parental consent is required.)

We are here to care for you and your baby.
Call 760-957-3323 for more information on our OB/Maternity Services.