Chennai: Taking a serious view of reports about women going in for ‘natural birthing’ at home resulting in deaths, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) has warned that only institutional delivery of babies was approved by the State government.
“Conducting home deliveries by watching YouTube videos or inspired by movies is not a wise thing to do. MBBS doctors, midwives and staff nurses registered under the Indian Nursing Council and village health nurses are qualified persons to conduct deliveries,” an advisory said.
It is to be noted that cases of young couples opting for home birthing is on the rise.
Yesterday, police in Madurai arrested an engineer, Kannan (29) for preventing health officials from attending to his wife who was in labour at home.
The couple were adamant about having their baby delivery at home after the hospital said she would have to undergo a Cesarean section (C Section).
The couple came home in active labour and even refused to cut the umbilical cord, instead waited for it to wither away.
The government press release stated that according to Section 82 of the Public Health Act 1939 Health Officials have the right to protect mothers and babies.
“Those who stop mothers from seeking medical help for child delivery will be punished.”
In Tamilnadu 70 per cent deliveries take place in Government hospitals, the release said.
IN NEED OF EMERGENCY
The 24 hour government helpline numbers for expectant mothers are 24350496, 24334811, 9444340496.