Where you deliver your baby is one of the biggest choices you make during pregnancy. At UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital, we’ve made our care more beneficial for both mother and baby.
Since November 2014, Iowa Lutheran has been offering nitrous oxide as a more natural pain relieving choice during childbirth.
“Nitrous oxide is easy to use and is self-administered, permitting the woman to determine when and how much she needs based on her discomfort,” said Melanie Hermann, M.S.N., A.R.N.P., perinatal clinical nurse specialist at Iowa Lutheran. “The medication is fast-acting, allowing rapid pain relief during contractions, but it is exhaled quickly. It doesn’t stay in the patient’s system for an extended period of time, as an epidural does.”
Unlike many modern pain relievers used during childbirth, nitrous oxide lets a pregnant woman stay mobile, sit in a rocker, or sit on a birthing ball, all of which can allow labor to progress naturally.
“The use of nitrous oxide is not a new concept, having been widely used in Europe for more than 100 years,” Hermann said. “Nitrous oxide is becoming more popular in the United States as more hospitals implement its use. Iowa Lutheran is one of only two hospitals in the state offering it to patients.”
In addition to allowing women more control over their choice of pain medication, the use of nitrous oxide has also been linked to a lower risk of women experiencing preeclampsia, or high blood pressure. Nevertheless, women still have the option of using traditional epidurals and IV pain medications later in the delivery process, if nitrous oxide isn’t providing enough relief.
“Many of our patients appreciate our natural approach to childbirth,” said Joy Carter, B.S.N., R.N., supervisor of maternity services at Iowa Lutheran. “We have the lowest epidural rate in the area. However, we understand that a woman’s needs may change during the labor process, and we are ready to make her feel as comfortable as possible.”
Better Bonding with Baby
That comfort extends to new infants the moment they’re born. The nursing staff ensures that mothers and babies bond through skin-to-skin contact whenever possible, regardless of whether the baby was delivered vaginally or via Cesarean section. According to the International Breastfeeding Center, infants who engage in direct skin contact right after birth typically cry less and maintain normal heart rates, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
“Babies are used to hearing a mother’s heartbeat in the womb, and skin-to-skin contact is a natural extension of that,” said Joy Carter, B.S.N., R.N., supervisor of maternity services at Iowa Lutheran. “The mother’s skin also provides more warmth and comfort than a nursery setting.”
“Many women feel they miss out on the immediate skin-to-skin contact with their new babies after a Cesarean section,” added Amy Bingaman, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist at UnityPoint Clinic – OB/GYN Methodist Plaza. “Our team does its best to allow this form of bonding in the operating room when feasible, or we encourage skin-to-skin contact between the fathers and newborns until the new mothers are settled after birth.”
While at the hospital, mother and child can spend as much time together as they like, with the nursing team completing tasks, such as taking vital signs right at the bedside, so as not to disturb this precious time.
“We want to make your birth experience unique,” Hermann said. “Every delivery is different, and we are here to assist you during one of the most memorable moments in your life.”
Schedule a tour by calling the Maternity Center at (515) 241-8205 or register online by visiting unitypoint.org and selecting “Classes & Events.”
This post is Sponsored by Unity Point Health. Above content provided by Unity Point and photos used with permission.
