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
Positive birth experiences during the pandemic
Check out this KOB4 video on how UNM Hospital takes extra steps to keep families' birth experiences close to how they imagined.
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