Welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world is no small feat for new mothers. So why not celebrate with a delicious and healthy meal delivered right to your room?

That's what UC Davis Health's Mommy Meals program was designed for.

“When my own children were born, my wife was offered a typical cheeseburger,” UC Davis Health chef Jet Aguirre said. “We wanted to offer something to new parents that would make the patient experience even better.”

The menu was developed in collaboration with UC Davis Health's nursing staff and features several gourmet meals for the mom and her spouse, partner or other support person.

UC Davis Health Executive Chef Santana Diaz and his team have created menu options that included braised short ribs, California chicken and a teriyaki vegetable tofu bowl, with substitution requests happily accommodated. A bottle of sparkling cider and champagne flutes are also part of the dinner for a celebratory toast.

"This dinner was a very special way to welcome our son into the world,” said Nathan Paulson, whose wife gave birth in March at UC Davis Medical Center. “The food was excellent, and it really made us feel like UC Davis values its patients and their families."

The culinary staff plans to continue expanding its options for the Mommy Meals program, which are available in the private birthing suites at UC Davis Medical Center.