In recent times, Kerala has witnessed a worrying trend where some women are choosing to deliver their babies at home, disregarding the medical advancements that have made childbirth safer. Motivated by unfounded beliefs or overconfidence in traditional or self-taught methods, these families are ignoring the risks involved. A tragic example unfolded in Malappuram, where a mother died during a home birth, leaving behind four young children. In another incident, a husband nonchalantly described using a shaving blade to cut the umbilical cord, later expressing frustration over not being issued a birth certificate — highlighting not just a lack of awareness, but grave negligence. Experts emphasize that childbirth is not as simple as following online videos; it requires trained hands and emergency medical support that only hospitals can provide.
Dr Marie Simon, a gynaecologist at Amrita Urban Health Center, emphasizes that hospitals offer a sterile, well-equipped environment necessary for safe deliveries. The labor suites are maintained to the same standards as operation theatres, and the personnel involved are medically trained to handle complications — from abnormal heart rates in babies to sudden maternal issues like high blood pressure, excessive bleeding, or breathing difficulties. These complications can’t always be predicted, even in seemingly smooth pregnancies. Hospitals are equipped to act immediately in such situations, which could mean the difference between life and death for both mother and child.
People who glorify home births by citing stories from the past often forget that maternal mortality was alarmingly high in those times. Today, Kerala boasts a low maternal mortality rate precisely because of its advanced medical care. While tradition might hold sentimental value, modern childbirth practices have evolved for good reason. Medical experts insist that risking home births today is not only unnecessary but dangerous. The goal should always be to prioritize safety, cleanliness, and medical readiness — all of which hospitals are designed to offer.
