Low Intervention Childbirth Options

At SSM Health, we want to best support you in your labor and birth goals. We offer a variety of options during labor in an environment designed to meet your choices and the vision you have for your labor and birth. Talk to your care team about the low intervention options available at your hospital.

Wireless Fetal Monitoring

For low-risk patients, a laboring mom is not always confined to the bed. When appropriate, mom can wear a wireless fetal monitor or an intermittent monitor so she can walk around, try standing positions or even labor in a special laboring tub, or the shower or jetted tub in her room. This option supports movement during labor, which can increase comfort and speed progress.

Pain Management

Expectant moms have a new choice for pain management when they deliver at certain SSM Health hospitals – patient controlled nitrous oxide. 

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide, or "laughing gas", is an inhaled gas that is used to relieve pain in labor and/or during postpartum procedures. It is an odorless, tasteless gas that enters and exits the body quickly during use.

Nitrous Oxide has been used for many years in dental procedures and is widely used throughout Europe during labor. Benefits during labor include:

• Helps you to relax and feel less tense during contractions
• Works quickly
• Does not slow down labor
• You do not need to have an IV
• You do not need to be attached to a baby monitor all of the time
• There is no effect on the baby
• Does not prevent patient from moving on to other options including epidural
• May be used if you need a procedure after the baby is born
• Does not negatively impact breast feeding after delivery

Nitrous Oxide may not be available due to COVID-19. Please talk to your delivery care team.

Spa-Like Rooms

Many SSM Health hospitals offer quiet, spa-like rooms to accommodate both mom and her partner. In-room tubs, massaging showers, birthing balls and guidance positioning of your body help to ease discomfort. We encourage parents to room-in with their baby 24/7 and provide breastfeeding support. Some hospitals also offer queen beds and in-room baby bathing area.

Doula Support

Many expectant mothers choose to work with a doula. According to DONA International, a Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

Doulas provide informational, physical and emotional support to mom and her family. We welcome this additional support in the birthing suite. Bring your own personal Doula or ask us about our doula partnerships.

Aromatherapy

Some locations offer comforting options, including aromatherapy. We offer moms the option of lavender aromatherapy delivered via an inhalation patch. Many people appreciate not only the scent of lavender, but also use it in their personal healing rituals to treat insomnia, anxiety and even minor wounds.

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping at Delivery

Delayed umbilical cord clamping at delivery has been shown to reduce anemia in infants. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.

Mother and Baby Skin-to-Skin

SSM Health promotes mother and baby skin-to-skin initiation within 5 minutes of birth and maintained for the first hour, including cesarean-section births. Benefits of skin-to-skin contact include:

• Contributes to successful newborn transition to extra uterine life
• Improves infant temperature regulation, blood sugar and promotes successful breastfeeding
• Calms both mother and baby