'Water birth' a better technique for a healthy delivery

Deepak Kumar Mohanty

Delhi

Tue, 08 May 2007: 

Yes, this may sound a bit unconventional but these days when caesarian delivery cases are increasing this technique is gaining more and more popularity. This practice is usual in European countries but is yet to gain popularity in India. As the stress and anxiety culminating with the amount of labour the delivery press involves, water birthing looks a more convenient method.

'Water birth' in European countries is believed to be a successful method and most women prefer this technique for a normal delivery. With this method, the mother gives birth to a child while being seated in a tub of warm water kept at 35 degree C. Though, the technique was developed during 1960's by some French doctors but it was in question from a long time to ensure proper safety of the newborn.

However, some Indian doctors have advocated in favour of this method as it is much more relaxing by reducing both physical as well as psychological problem. According to Dr Manash Ranjan Biswal, water birth technique can prove as more beneficial as it is less painful for the mother.

On the other hand, senior gynecologist Dr Tushar Kanti reflects concern as the newborn has to spend some moments in the water, which is a crucial period. He says that though the method is no doubt less painful for the mother but needs proper guidance of doctors as per safety of the child. The child should take its first breath in the air not in the water otherwise it may move towards complication, he added.

Earlier this month, a gynecologist from Delhi's Phoenix hospital, Dr Urvashi Sehgal had successful arranged an underwater child birth for a mother, a British citizen. According to her it is the best technique so far, which benefits both the mother and the child. She is now on a mission to popularize it in India.

The technique as it is not known in all parts of India and hence its promotion with better knowledge to parents has to be a priority of health officials and doctors.