OB/GYN

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Obstetrics and gynecology services in New Mexico

At Lovelace Health System, our obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) department is staffed by skilled physicians who specialize in women’s health care. We offer obstetrical services and maternity care for new mothers and women who are pregnant or have just given birth and need recuperative care. We also offer gynecological treatments and care, including well-woman exams, biopsies, pap smears and more. No matter what type of OB/GYN service you require, our doctors and nurses will ensure you receive the compassionate care you deserve.

Please note that our services vary by provider and location. To schedule an appointment, please call (505) 727-4500.

Obstetrics

Obstetrics (OB) is the branch of medicine that focuses on caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period after delivery. At Lovelace Health System, our obstetricians are committed to creating the best experience possible for babies and new parents.

Every year, we help bring more than 3,000 babies into the world each year with the help of our dedicated obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, obstetrical anesthesiologists, neonatologists, perinatologists and nurses. Our certified nurse midwives have advanced training in prenatal care, birthing and well-woman care.

Our skilled staff offer educational classes, resources, and a wide range of labor and delivery services, including:

  • 24/7 obstetrical anesthesia
  • Antenatal testing
  • Antepartum care
  • Childbirth education classes
  • Family planning
  • Hydrotherapy during labor with jacuzzi/jetted tubs
  • Lactation services
  • Maternity support services
  • Natural birthing center
  • Obstetrics and midwifery services
  • Traditional and high-risk obstetric care
  • Vaginal delivery after C-section (VBAC program)

Each of our obstetric departments are equipped with state-of-the-art C-section rooms and other special amenities and services to ensure you receive compassionate care during one of life’s most important moments. Whether you are considering a natural birth or a traditional delivery, our Lovelace care team is committed to providing exceptional OB services to you and your baby every step of the way.

Gynecology and women’s care

Gynecology is a branch of medicine concerned with the health and care of the female reproductive system. We are proud to offer a variety of women’s health services ranging from annual gynecologic exams to counseling for PMS, menopause, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). No matter what type of care you require, our doctors are committed to providing safe, effective, and trustworthy women’s health care.

Our gynecological services include:

  • Annual exams
  • Birth control
  • Breast and pelvic exams
  • Cervical LEEP procedures
  • Colposcopic examinations
  • Contraceptive counseling
  • Counseling for adult and family health
  • Endometrial biopsies
  • Endometriosis care
  • Family planning
  • Hormone replacement
  • Incontinence of urine
  • Infections
  • Menopause care
  • Menstrual concerns
  • Pap smears
  • PMS care
  • Pre-conceptual counseling
  • STD treatment
  • Surgical procedures
  • Ultrasound
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment
  • Yeast infection treatment

Should you require care for a condition not listed above, our women’s health specialists will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment.

Acessa procedure

Studies have shown over 70% of women have uterine fibroids, which can cause heavy menstruation, pelvic pain, painful sex and frequent urination. The Acessa procedure is a minimally invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroids and doesn’t require a hysterectomy. The procedure treats almost all sizes and locations of fibroids, including those both outside and inside the uterine walls. It requires no cutting or suturing of uterine tissue, and patients typically go home the same day, meaning less pain and a quicker recovery.

The good news is you don’t have to travel far from home — Lovelace Women’s Hospital is the only facility in the state of New Mexico performing the Acessa procedure.

For more information on the minimally invasive Acessa procedure, call (505) 727-6742.

Welcome

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period after delivery. Many obstetricians are also gynecologists, meaning they perform in both specialties. These physicians are commonly referred to as OB-GYNs.

Our goal is to create the best experience possible for babies and their parents. We offer educational classes, support and resources, and the security of knowing our highly skilled staff and specialized care for newborns are available around the clock. We offer 24/7 anesthesiology coverage, state-of-the-art C-section rooms, and other special services to provide our families with medically advanced, compassionate care during one of life’s most important moments.

Nothing is more natural than delivering a child, and Lovelace is here for you every step of the way to make sure your delivery is as comfortable as possible. We offer the best care from a broad spectrum of birthing options. Whether you are considering a natural birth or a traditional delivery, you can feel confident that Lovelace is here for you.

Labor and Delivery services include

  • 24/7 OB anesthesia
  • Antenatal testing
  • Antepartum care
  • Childbirth education classes
  • Family planning
  • Hydrotherapy during labor with jacuzzi/jetted tubs
  • Lactation services
  • Natural Birthing Center
  • Obstetrics and midwifery services
  • Traditional and High-risk OB
  • Vaginal delivery after C-Section (VBAC program)
 

Childbirth Education Classes

Pregnancy

Lovelace helps bring more than 3,000 babies into the world each year with the help of our dedicated obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, obstetrical anesthesiologists, neonatalogists, perinatologists and nurses. Our certified nurse midwives have advanced training in prenatal care, birthing and well-woman care. 

At Lovelace Medical Group, our talented team of obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and qualified nursing staff will become familiar with your health history and guide you in forming a pregnancy plan that is ideal for you and your family. We will provide you with information regarding pregnancy symptoms, delivery methods, nutrition, risk factors, and fertility optimization.

Our qualified team is trained to handle normal pregnancies and those with complications. We are excited to be part of your prenatal care and delivery, so that you and your newborn are as safe, healthy and comfortable as possible.

 

Facilities

Lovelace Birthing Centers are committed to providing exceptional, comfortable, and convenient care. Whether you deliver at Lovelace Women's Hospital or Lovelace Regional Hospital, you can be assured you will be surrounded by caring and compassionate physicians, nurses and midwives in a supportive, soothing environment.

Family Birthing Center

Throughout labor, delivery and recovery our new mothers stay in one of our comfortable, private, birthing suites. Equipped with the latest technology, each room is designed for a relaxed, comfortable birth experience. 

  • 24/7 OB anesthesia
  • Antenatal Testing Unit
  • Antepartum Unit
  • Childbirth education classes
  • Hydrotherapy during labor with jacuzzi/jetted tubs
  • Lactation services
  • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Maternal-fetal medicine program with 24/7 coverage
  • Obstetrics & midwifery services
  • Prenatal assessment
  • Traditional & High-risk OB
  • Vaginal delivery after C-Section (VBAC program)
  • 24/7 OB anesthesia
  • Antenatal Testing Unit
  • Antepartum Unit
  • Childbirth education classes
  • Lactation services
  • Prenatal assessment
  • Traditional & High-risk OB
  • Vaginal delivery after C-Section (VBAC program)

Expert Care

Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Pregnancy)

Offering peace of mind for the expectant mom.

For women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, our Maternal Fetal Medicine program includes prenatal diagnosis and consultation, specialized fetal care, and a full range of diagnostic testing.

Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists are committed to communicating and closely collaborating with the obstetricians. We'll work closely with your obstetrician, midwife or family physician to evaluate a range of conditions.

  • Bleeding/clotting disorders
  • Diabetic education
  • Fetal anomalies
  • Genetic disorders
  • Genetic counseling
  • G.R.A.C.E. transitions
  • Heart disease
  • HIV
  • Hypertension or preeclampsia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • Labor of Love
  • Lupus or other auto-immune diseases
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Pre-term labor
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Suspected intrauterine growth retardation
  • Ultrasound services

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Program @
Lovelace Women's Hospital

4705 Montgomery Blvd NE, 3rd Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505.727.6853

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Program @
Lovelace Women's Hospital - Santa Fe

460 St. Michaels Drive, Suite 505
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505.727.4420

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Program @
Lovelace Women's Hospital - Roswell

311 West Country Club Rd, Suite 2
Roswell, NM 88201
505.727.5600

 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

In the event that your baby is born prematurely or needs special care, our state-of-the-art NICU is here to serve you.

In our NICU, a skilled medical and nursing staff cares for infants at the age of viability, as young as 23 weeks gestation. Board-certified neonatologists lead a specialized team of nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers and other caregivers who work together to provide the best, most advanced and compassionate care for your baby.

Our expanded 53-bed NICU offers state-of-the-art technological support in a quiet, home-like environment with 24/7 in-house neonatologist coverage and a knowledgeable, caring NICU nursing staff.

  • Case management and social services
  • Coffee hour for NICU families
  • Complete discharge education, including infant CPR training, to ensure a successful transition from the NICU to home
  • Consultations with pediatric specialists if needed
  • Developmental rehabilitation
  • Family support services
  • Isolation rooms
  • Lactation consultants
  • Lactation room for privacy
  • March of Dimes liaison to assist with family support and integration
  • Neonatal nutrition care and dietary counseling
  • NICU-specialized respiratory therapists
  • Open visiting hours to encourage and support your involvement in the care of your baby
  • Ophthalmology and cardiopulmonary specialists to provide testing, monitoring and, if needed, intervention
  • Overnight transition rooms for parents who need further education and preparation before going home
  • Parent and family lounge equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, television, and coffee available around the clock
  • Skin-to-skin care (kangaroo care)
  • Support from community resources, including partnerships with Ronald McDonald House and Casa Esperanz, to provide temporary housing for out-of town parents
  • Trained physical & occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to help facilitate feeding and swallowing success and ensure proper positioning and movement

 

G.R.A.C.E.

Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is pregnant and struggling with addiction, substance use or on Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)? Lovelace Health System’s Giving Respect and Compassion to Expecting (G.R.A.C.E.) mothers program is here to support you and your family! Our health care providers will work with you to establish a treatment plan for your pregnancy.

If you use heroin, fentanyl or opioids, it’s very important to talk to your doctor before quitting. This will help avoid experiencing withdrawals for you, and your baby.

G.R.A.C.E.

Moms enrolled in the G.R.A.C.E. program will receive prenatal care at a Lovelace Medical Group clinic, where we offer treatment based on each person’s needs. Moms will be supported throughout their pregnancy, during their hospital stay for delivery at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, and in the first weeks after birth. Lovelace’s G.R.A.C.E. program can help moms who are using, or addicted to:

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin/Fentanyl
  • Marijuana/pot
  • Methamphetamine
  • Opioids/prescription drugs
  • Tobacco/nicotine

Our goal is to make your pregnancy and delivery as healthy as possible. For more information or schedule an appointment, call 505.727.5000.

Our Services

  • Access to Labor of Love, a maternity support program
  • Case management support
  • Community referrals
  • Compassionate care for mom and baby
  • Comprehensive NICU care
  • High risk pregnancy consults
  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use
  • Prenatal services available at three Lovelace Medical Group locations

 


Providers

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Bethany Barrow, M.D., FACOG
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Brenda Beck, CNM

Brenda Beck, CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Patricia Black, M.D.
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Katrina Dowdy, CNM
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Roswell

Rebecca Dworkin, CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Addie Gillespie, CNM, FNP-C
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Patricia Heinz, CNM

Patricia Heinz , CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Aubrey Huerta, PA
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Elizabeth Ashley Jaffa, CNM, RN
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Melynda Lopez, CNM

Melynda Lopez, CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Alexandra Lusk, M.D.
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Amy Macleod, CNM, MSN
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Audra McKillip-Heard, MSN, CNM, RN
Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Candace Reid, CNM

Candace Minner, CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Mario Pardo-Friedman, M.D., FACOG, MAcc
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Rachel Pirkle, MSN, CNM
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Valerie Richerson, MSN, FNP-C
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Melissa Scott, CNM

Melissa Scott, DNP, CNM
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Kara Shain, M.D.
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Jessie Simmon, M.D., MSc
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Sureyya Stone, CNM, MSN, BSN, BS
Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Joel Teicher, M.D.

Joel Teicher, M.D., FACOG
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Michelle Underwood, PA-C

Michelle Underwood, PA-C, MPAS
Gynecology, Obstetrics
Albuquerque

Dhyana Velasco, M.D.
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque

Sarah Whittington, DNP, CNM
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Roswell

Beverly Williams, M.D.
Obstetrics, Gynecology
Albuquerque