Low Intervention Birth

Labor & Delivery on Your Terms

When you want low medical intervention in your birth plan, Sanford Women’s is here for you. 

Your obstetrics team will work with you on the level of care you’re comfortable with – in a setting that’s equipped to intervene if challenges arise. Depending on your location, you may have access to the following services for your holistic birth plan:

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, also called water therapy and pool therapy, is an ancient treatment used in integrative health. A large whirlpool tub in your room gives you the opportunity to labor in warm water to help you manage pain. 

Water Birth: Giving birth in water is both safe and beneficial for mothers and babies who are full-term and have a low-risk pregnancy. Warm water can reduce pain and reduce the risk of pelvic floor tearing or trauma during childbirth. 

Hypnobirthing: Hypnobirthing, or hypnotherapy during labor and delivery, reinforces that birth is a normal, natural process. It gives you guided imagery, visualization and special breathing techniques to use during and after birth to help you remain calm and work in harmony with your mind and body.

Mindfulness: Our integrative health specialists will help you through mindfulness and meditation practice during labor. Your awareness of the present moment can help increase your sense of well-being. 

Doula: During labor and delivery, a doula works alongside doctors and nurses as a reassuring presence for you. They provide coaching on breathing, education, encouragement, comfort and distraction techniques.

Massage: Therapeutic massage during labor helps reduce pain and aid in the healing process. Our integrative health specialists can rub sore muscles and other soft tissues to release the tension and stress of childbirth.

Acupressure: A traditional Chinese medicine technique based on the same principles as acupuncture, acupressure applies pressure, instead of needles, to certain key points on the body believed to be linked to various symptoms. This is another service you can use to ease labor pain.

Certified Nurse-Midwives: Sanford’s certified nurse-midwives help you achieve natural pregnancy and childbirth. They also can provide family planning, postpartum care, gynecological care and menopause care. 

Talk to your doctor about what’s available and what’s right for you.