Maternity Care

From your first prenatal care appointment through your first months as a new mom, your UNM Health provider will guide and support you. Choose a board-certified obstetrician, a certified nurse-midwife or a board-certified family medicine doctor to provide compassionate care as you prepare for childbirth.

UNM Hospital is the only Level 4 maternity hospital in New Mexico, and one of the few centers in the state that can provide care for even the most complex pregnancies.

When you are ready for delivery at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), take advantage of low-tech ways to help facilitate labor and make you more comfortable – such as getting into different positions and using inflatable birthing balls.

You will also have access to advanced technology and medical care if you or your baby needs them to stay safe and healthy. 

Make an Appointment

To schedule a maternity care appointment, call 505-272-2245.

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Your Personalized Birth Experience  

Whether you want to experience natural childbirth or focus on mother-baby bonding, we will support your birth plan. Your delivery team will be ready in an instant if you or your baby need advanced medical care.

Pain Relief

UNM Health is one of the only maternity care units in the country to offer nitrous oxide [PDF] for pain relief. This is a safe, odorless gas that you breathe through a mask before a contraction begins. You alone control how much or how little you need to relieve pain.

We also offer epidural pain relief, as well as medication-free options such as inflatable birthing balls.

Gentle C-Section

If you need a cesarean section (C-section), a gentle C-section may be an option. This procedure more closely resembles vaginal delivery, with a focus on mother-baby bonding.

In a gentle C-section, you may have the option for:

  • A doula or family member in the room in addition to your partner
  • Only essential medical staff in the operating room
  • Calming music and dimmed lights
  • Clear drapes that allow you to see your baby being delivered 
  • Delayed cord clamping to help your baby receive more placental blood
  • Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn whenever possible

Postpartum Care

After delivery, you and your baby will rest, recover and bond in a private, comfortable room. There is plenty of space for loved ones to visit if you wish.

Your newborn will stay by your bedside so you can soothe, feed and respond to the baby's needs. As a designated Baby-Friendly hospital, we will support you in breastfeeding and establishing skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as possible. Learn more about postpartum care.

Childbirth Education

We are continuing our childbirth education online! Check out these resources to help you prepare for labor. You can always reach out to us if you need to see a provider or have further questions