Michelle Amaya Schmidt welcomed her first child, a boy, Asher Hunter Schmidt on January 13, 2016. He was born at Lovelace Women’s Hospital after months of anticipation and preparation. Michelle joined the Lovelace Labor of Love program to learn more about what to expect during her first pregnancy, while taking advantage of every opportunity to give her baby the best start possible. “I was immediately drawn to the Labor of Love program,” she says. “I am interested in maternal health and believe that by providing education and resources, it can lead to positive pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child.”
A natural delivery was one of the goals Michelle worked towards throughout her pregnancy. She attended prenatal yoga classes at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, which are complimentary to Labor of Love members. Prenatal yoga has many health benefits for mom and baby during pregnancy. From reducing stress, to improving circulation and even sleep, prenatal yoga helped Michelle support a healthy pregnancy and prepare for the natural delivery she had planned.
She worked closely with Certified Nurse Midwife Christina Cheney, CNM, throughout her prenatal care and at the Family Birthing Center at Lovelace Women’s Hospital when the big day arrived. It was the experience she had been working towards over the previous nine months. “I always tell friends and family about the great experience I had throughout out my pregnancy,” she says. “I had excellent prenatal care with my midwife Christine Cheney and an awesome natural delivery on the third floor. The staff was all so helpful and attentive.”
Following Asher’s arrival, Michelle was treated to an in-room massage, also offered to Labor of Love members, to help bring restoration and balance after delivery. “The Labor of Love program has provided great resources,” she adds.
Today, Michelle stays connected with other new moms and continues to receive support for any of her questions regarding caring for her baby, including breastfeeding, by attending the New Parents Support Group. “I have been attending the New Parents Support Group since my son was a few weeks old and I still continue to go, because it is very helpful and it is great to be surrounded by a community of breastfeeding mothers,” she explains.
“I had the best experience and would recommend it to any expectant mother,” Michelle says of choosing Lovelace Women’s Hospital and joining Labor of Love.
To learn more about Labor of Love, please click here. Expecting or a new parent? Please join us Saturday, June 4 at the Labor of Love Health Fair at Lovelace Women’s Hospital from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Click here for more information.