NOTIONS ABOUT CHILD BIRTH (NATURAL BIRTH AND CAESARIAN SECTION)

The birth of a child is usually an event that is accompanied with joy and celebration; but sometimes can
also be one of sadness when either the mother or baby suffers some harm or even death. The journey of
40 weeks from conception to delivery is a delicate one and the aim of the obstetrician is to have both
mother and baby alive and healthy at the end.

There are generally two options available for the delivery of a baby at term. There’s vaginal delivery
(natural) which can be assisted or non-assisted and there’s caesarian section (surgery) or C.S. Both of
these methods have their advantages and drawbacks. The choice of which method is to be adopted for a
particular woman depends on her clinical information gotten during antenatal care as well as the
progress of the pregnancy and labour.

The first choice of delivery for every obstetrician for any woman is the natural method. It is the safest,
easiest and cheapest method. A number of factors involving both the mother and her baby will
determine if she can go on with this method or not. These include the adequacy of a woman’s birth
canal, the size and position of the baby and the health status of both the mother and her baby. All these
and more will usually be assessed with the antenatal visits. Where these are adequate, a woman is
normally allowed to go into labour under the observation of a mid-wife. Where delivery cannot be
achieved naturally; labour progresses too slowly or becomes dangerous for the life of the mother or
baby, the mother is advised to have surgery done. However, the choice of delivery for the woman is
generally affected by cultural, educational and religious factors among others.

A large number of women will insist on natural birth because it’s cheap, involves a shorter hospital stay
and is considered natural. In addition, many believe it’s a proof of womanhood to go through labour
pain. Some tribes are known to even ‘mock/abuse’ women who shout or cry during labour. Some others
insist on natural childbirth because their pastor prophesied that they’ll deliver like the Hebrew women
in Exodus. It is true that the process of labour can impact deeply on the life of the woman. The hearts of
some women have been softened by it and some have gone back to appreciate their mothers or even
restitute to them.

A few other women, especially the more enlightened ones, will more commonly opt for CS majorly
because of the fear of pain or stress. A few others do not want to affect the integrity of their vagina
because natural delivery makes it a bit lax. Pain in labour can be managed by other means apart from
surgery. It is important to note that CS though generally safe, also poses a risk to the mother just like
any surgery has its risks.

The most important point to note (in considering whether natural birth or CS is chosen) is the safety of
the lives of both mother and child. Natural birth will always be the first consideration; but should not be
insisted on where the life of the mother or baby is endangered. Some women have lost their lives or
their babies by stubbornly insisting on their reasons. And a few others have been persuaded to accept
natural childbirth that ended in joy even for the mothers who were insisting on having surgery.
In conclusion, the period of pregnancy is delicate and should be carefully monitored by an obstetrician.
The sun should not set twice on a woman in labour. The life of a baby is more important than which
method is chosen. The life and well-being of the mother who is to care for the baby should be protected
beyond all the social and religious biases.