Increase in natural births and reduction in caesarean sections
During the year 2023, 636 births were performed at Calella Hospital, of which 482 were without complications. Of these, 150 were completely natural, representing 23.5% of all births. This data stands out as a significant success in the first year of operation of the natural childbirth room of the hospital center. In addition, of the group of women who opted for a natural birth, 18.6% (28 cases) had their baby in the water.
Demedicalization and Reduction of Instrumentalized Parts
Dr. Marta González, head of the hospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics department, emphasizes that the implementation of the new service has contributed to enhancing the demedicalization of the process, as well as significantly reducing the overall number of caesarean sections and instrumental deliveries. Compared to 2022, the number of caesarean sections decreased by 30.1%, from 136 to 95, while the total number of deliveries fell by only 11.9%. This translates into a reduction of almost four percentage points, as C-sections accounted for 18.8% of total deliveries in 2022, while in 2023 they were 14.9%.
A notable decrease has also been observed in the number of parts in which some instrumental intervention has been required, such as forceps, spatulas or suction cups. In 2022, these techniques were applied in 67 cases, while in 2023 there were 59, a reduction of 12%. Despite this, in relation to the total number of births, the reduction in percentage points is almost imperceptible.
Reaffirmation of the Bet for the Natural Parts
The data collected serves the management of the Calella Hospital to reaffirm its commitment to the implementation of the natural delivery room, since it has satisfied the demand of pregnant women in the territory to have a non-medicalized and well-equipped environment to attend to normal delivery. This option has been widely used, with nearly two out of ten women giving birth in the bathtub. Additionally, others have made use of other options as a method of pain relief during the dilation process, such as the birthing chair and the liana.
Warm and Comfortable Environment
The natural delivery room offers several features, such as the presence of bathtubs, adjustable lights, piped music and earth-colored walls, with the aim of providing a warm, calm and comfortable environment for women during the birthing process.