Concerns over water quality, poor awareness keep mothers away from water birthing

Although water birth is a completely natural method without any medical intervention, it has a long way to go as a popular birthing option. Barely five per cent of pregnant mothers opt for the same.

Lack of awareness and concerns over possible impurities in water are some of the reasons for the poor patronage. “Water shortage in the state is a hindrance in the growth of this method. Hospitals are frequently purchasing water for basic use. Acquiring sufficient quantities of water for this procedure will never be easy in a state like Tamil Nadu, especially in government hospitals” said Dr Shanthi Mohan, an obstetric gynaecologist.

While ‘Bloom Fertility and Healthcare’, Chennai, is one among the two centres known to be leading in this procedure, the other being Birth Village, Kochi. Women continue to remain apprehensive about the process. “What is the guarantee that the water is safe for our baby? Also, it is alleged that a woman’s pain will reduce if she delivers in water. How true is that?” questioned Aadarshini K, a mother.

Stating that the water used for the procedure at Bloom is purified, a source from the hospital said, “We purchase only the purified RO water for the water birth area. Though more women are interested in this particular option nowadays, not everybody can go for water birth. There are some criteria, including the need for the woman not to have gestational diabetes. Those who go ahead with it, should be prepared for the same as it is not a last minute option. Others need to get prepared.” Hospitals say that growing preference for doing things the natural way, expectant mothers may soon gyrate towards this method. “Mothers-to-be are still not aware of whom to approach. Awareness on this method and the fact that it is a safe procdure, provided the hospital has skilled, experienced staff who can help women in labour and help them give birth in the pool, must be created,” they said.