Normal birth is an option too

“Pizza is delivered, not a baby. A baby is birthed,” observes Dr. Vijaya Krishna, founder of the ‘Sanctum – Natural Birth Centre’, while emphasising the emotional connect. For the mother, the wonderful and lasting bond with the bundle of joy begins immediately after the process of birthing.

Natural childbirth at home was the normal (and in most cases the only) option until about 75 years ago. Basically, natural childbirth involves an unrushed, supported process, with minimal interference and less invasive monitoring. Over time, assisted childbirth, delivery by cesarean surgery and other cognate forms of birthing became popular and elective due to certain exigencies, with the birthing locations being at home, a birth center or in a hospital.

Until 2010, cesarean (or C-) sections were limited to 8.5% of all the deliveries in the country; that is, just below the recommended level of 10 – 15%. But in the last decade, the numbers of C-sections have skyrocketed. The percentage is way above the recommended limit. In India alone, the percentage has escalated from 10%-30%, according to a recent WHO (World Health Organization) Report. Dr Vijaya Krishna, founder of ‘Sanctum’, shares some valuable insights.

Excerpts:
What is your opinion on ‘natural birthing’?
The essence of giving birth naturally has an entirely different touch to it. I think it is the healthiest way to birth. Many scientific studies have also proved that the traditional method of doing it is the best as it minimises the risks involved, both to the baby and the mother.

Purpose of establishing ‘Sanctum’?
Although many women are opting for easier ways to birth, there are still a minority of them who are willing to give birth in medieval manner. For this purpose, ‘Sanctum’ was established. It is a facility, which offers an opportunity to all those mothers who want to give birth the natural way, which is also the healthiest way.

Your take on the percentage of C-section deliveries in India?
The percentage is enormous. Previously, women who went through C-section surgeries were shown sympathy. But if you look at the present scenario, it’s the absolute opposite. Women who go through normal deliveries are sympathised with. What irony!

How important do you think is the aspect of ‘awareness’ for an expectant mother and her family?
It is most essential for an expectant mother to first enlighten herself about the different phases of pregnancy (pre-partum, pregnancy, post-partum). Firstly, she should be made aware of her physical condition and on how to sail smoothly through it all. Secondly, family’s support also plays an important role. Sanctum offers various classes for this purpose, also known as the Lamaze classes.

What exactly are Lamaze classes?
Lamaze (or childbirth education) enlightens mothers; it empowers them with knowledge of how their body is designed for birth, teaches various ways in which they can manage their pain naturally during labour, and helps them decide what advice is best for themselves and the baby by informing them and making them aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

What makes Sanctum special?
Sanctum is a place like home. For any woman to deliver, she needs a place safe and secure and nothing feels as safe and secure as our home. It offers to the mothers a hygienic environment, emergency units, fitness classes, Lamaze classes. and most importantly, offers immense moral support and individual comfort. We are a complete collaborative model of care. We are one amongst the few birth facility centers and hospitals which run on mid-wifery methods of birthing. All the personnel who work at ‘The Sanctum’ are professional midwives. I am a professional midwife myself!

Midwifery is the first holistic profession in the world in where “care” has always been a women-centered phenomenon. A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labour, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers or at home, but most can also deliver babies at a hospital. Women who choose midwives usually want very little medical intervention and have had no complications during their pregnancy.

End note?
I think every woman should be inspired to give birth naturally. The right amount of care, emotional and medical support is hence required. The moment the mother gives birth, the child self-attaches to the mother and this move is essential because it starts prepping the mother’s body for the needs of the baby.

By Trisha Reddy