As a labor and delivery nurse, Mackenzie McAfee had a unique perspective when preparing for the birth of her first child. When the time came, she knew she wanted to try for a low-intervention delivery without an epidural. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it, but I really wanted to try,” Mackenzie shared. “I’ve seen how much faster patients who choose low-intervention deliveries tend to recover.”

At 39 weeks, however, Mackenzie’s plan shifted slightly when her OB-GYN, Dr. Julie Viehmann, recommended induction due to high blood pressure. Even with the need for induction, Mackenzie remained committed to her goal of minimizing interventions as much as possible.

Hannibal Regional’s low-intervention delivery room is designed to support that approach by reducing routine medical procedures like continuous electronic monitoring and pharmacological pain relief, while allowing labor to progress more naturally. The space features the state-of-the-art Active II Laboring Pool, a hospital-grade laboring tub designed to provide comfort and support during labor, unlike any other option in the region.

Drawing from her own experience as a nurse, Mackenzie was intentional about when she chose to use the laboring pool. “I knew from helping my patients that it’s best not to get in the tub too early,” she said. “For me, it was most effective once the contractions became more intense.” Once in the pool, Mackenzie found significant relief. The warm water helped her relax between contractions and made progressing without medication much more manageable. She also felt that her labor began to move more quickly.

Throughout the experience, Mackenzie credits both the environment and her care team for helping her succeed. “I don’t know if I could have done it without my nurse, Gabbie, and the relief of the tub,” she said. In total, Mackenzie’s labor and delivery lasted around ten hours, an impressive timeline for a first-time mom. She described the low-intervention room as calm, quiet, and relaxing, creating an atmosphere that made all the difference in her experience.

Hannibal Regional Hospital’s Chris Coons Women’s Care Center is dedicated to providing women with the choices they need to create their ideal birth experience. From low-intervention options and nitrous oxide to VBAC deliveries and advanced surgical care when needed, patients have access to a full spectrum of personalized care.

For more information about delivery options at Hannibal Regional, please call 573-629-3500 to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician.