California Labor & Delivery Laws: Rights & Requirements for New Mothers

Question
Dr. Rappaport,
I am 25 yrs.old, I am having my first baby due 12/31/05, and 3/26/05 was the first day of my last period. My question is how can I find out the laws in California regarding whether or not the baby has to leave my room after birth, which shots the baby absolutely has to have by the state of California and so on. I feel like I have had less than adequate care from my OB and it has left me very untrusting. If the state does not require the baby going to the nursery then I don't want it to go. Could you direct me where to look for these laws or regulations? Thank you
Emily  

Answer
State laws do not dictate that the baby must leave your room after birth. Those are usually the policy of the hospital. Most hospitals require that the baby must be evaluated in the nursery, and, if all is well, you can have the baby in your room (if there is "rooming in"). If there is no "rooming in", the baby must stay in the nursery (to avoid any contamination from visitors). The shots (vitamin K and Silver nitrate drops (or erythromicin) usually are state laws. YOu can ask the hospital to clarify all the rules. You can look up the state health code on a DOH website for the state you are in.