THE CHALLENGE
Unnecessary Interventions
IMPATIENCE
21.5%
C-Section rate in India, a steep rise from 17.2% as per NFHS 5 and NFHS 4 respectively
ILL-TREATMENT
15 Min
before and during childbirth is when most of the abuse happens in response to ‘non-cooperation’ by women (Lancet, 2019)
INDIFFERENCE
> 1/3
women experienced mistreatment and were particularly vulnerable around the time of birth (Lancet, 2019)
IMPATIENCE
21.5%
C-Section rate in India, a steep rise from 17.2% as per NFHS 5 and NFHS 4 respectively
ILL-TREATMENT
15 Min
before and during childbirth is when most of the abuse happens in response to ‘non-cooperation’ by women (Lancet, 2019)
INDIFFERENCE
> 1/3
women experienced mistreatment and were particularly vulnerable around the time of birth (Lancet, 2019)
In India, 25 million
babies are born
each year.
The country is characterised by a strongly medicalised environment. According to NFHS 5, caesarean births make up 21.5% of total births in the country. While C-sections can be life-saving in certain scenarios, unnecessary interventions can adversely affect the health of the mother. According to research conducted by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, obstetric violence is prevalent around the world. In India, almost every pregnant woman has gone through some level of disrespect and abuse during labour and birth. Unhappy birthing experiences include interventions without consent, multiple vaginal examinations, episiotomy repairs without anaesthesia among others. Meanwhile, the intangible trauma goes unacknowledged. Psychological abuse in the form of lack of privacy, body shaming, shouting at women are some reported practices.
According to a report by Lancet in 2019, women who were younger and less educated were most at risk, suggesting inequalities in how women are treated during childbirth. These practices are violations of human rights. There is an urgent need to respect women’s choices and provide humanised care.
High volumes and the resulting stretched bandwidth make this a daunting task. We can all scale this movement by playing an active role independently and in collaboration with the Government and their initiatives towards humanising childbirth.
In India, 25 million babies are born each year.
The country is characterised by a strongly medicalised environment. According to NFHS 5, caesarean births make up 21.5% of total births in the country. While C-sections can be life-saving in certain scenarios, unnecessary interventions can adversely affect the health of the mother. According to research conducted by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, obstetric violence is prevalent around the world. In India, almost every pregnant woman has gone through some level of disrespect and abuse during labour and birth. Unhappy birthing experiences include interventions without consent, multiple vaginal examinations, episiotomy repairs without anaesthesia among others. Meanwhile, the intangible trauma goes unacknowledged. Psychological abuse in the form of lack of privacy, body shaming, shouting at women are some reported practices.
According to a report by Lancet in 2019, women who were younger and less educated were most at risk, suggesting inequalities in how women are treated during childbirth. These practices are violations of human rights. There is an urgent need to respect women’s choices and provide humanised care.
High volumes and the resulting stretched bandwidth make this a daunting task. We can all scale this movement by playing an active role independently and in collaboration with the Government and their initiatives towards humanising childbirth.
With high volumes, individual care is lost. The woman who actually needs medical and surgical intervention might not receive it.
With high volumes, individual care is lost. The woman who actually needs medical and surgical intervention might not receive it.
WHAT IF
Childbirth was led by the mother?
What if…
The mother was informed about her choices
And empowered to make decisions about her body?
She was supported for the entire duration of labour
While being monitored for safety?
A professional held space for her
Gently yet steadily as she laboured on?
The mother could listen to her body
And choose a comfortable birthing position?
What if, after giving birth
She could hold her baby immediately
And initiate the lifelong bond?
She could walk out with her baby
healthy, confident, and optimistic?
WHAT IF
Childbirth
was led by
the mother?
What if…
The mother was informed about her choices
And empowered to make decisions about her body?
She was supported for the entire duration of labour
While being monitored for safety?
A professional held space for her
Gently yet steadily as she laboured on?
The mother could listen to her body
And choose a comfortable birthing position?
What if, after giving birth
She could hold her baby immediately
And initiate the lifelong bond?
She could walk out with her baby healthy, confident, and optimistic?
Together, we can humanise birthing
Help a mother celebrate the start of motherhood.