Expert answer:
The main advantages of humanized childbirth to the woman are:
- Possibility of receiving relaxation techniques (massages, warm baths, music) to relieve pain, which allows a more active and autonomous participation of the woman during labor;
- Being able to have the presence of a companion chosen by the parturient;
- Freedom to choose the delivery position at the time of expulsion and to walk during labor;
- Since birth is normal, feeding need not be suspended, it can be maintained and offered naturally, with light foods that provide energy, such as fruits and juices;
- Less exposure to risks associated with surgery, such as infection and side effects of anesthesia and medications;
- Easier adjustment to postpartum, since there will be no wound and pain resulting from surgery or difficulty in moving;
- A more cozy atmosphere, which favors the comfort of the woman and her companion, besides giving them greater privacy;
- Humanized delivery procedures are recommended by the World Health Organization.
What are the advantages of humanized childbirth?
- After childbirth, the risks of respiratory disease and the passage of labor secretion into the baby's lung (bronchoaspiration) are lower;
- Early initiation of breastfeeding, since breast milk descends faster after humanized delivery, since there are no side effects of anesthesia and post-surgery;
- Better rates of baby vitality after birth;
- Reduction of interventions, such as aspiration with probe;
- Lower risk associated with surgical maneuvers;
- There is no separation from the mother soon after delivery.
What are the disadvantages of humanized childbirth?
- Humanized childbirth can be performed in a non-hospital environment, which may hamper some procedures and decision-making if there are any complications. For example, delaying to stop normal delivery and choosing a cesarean section can have serious consequences for the mother and the baby;
- Feel all the pains of labor;
- The process of childbirth is long, since humanized childbirth is performed with the minimum of interventions;
- It is not recommended in cases of late pregnancy or adolescence, as well as pregnancy of twins;
- It is not indicated for pregnant women who have had anemia, diabetes and high blood pressure before giving birth.
The main objective of humanized delivery is to rescue birth for its simplicity and to promote changes in the behavior and attitudes of the professionals involved in the process.
For more information on humanized childbirth, talk to your obstetrician.
Learn more about this in: What is humanized childbirth?
