New Delhi, May 2
A British woman has shown Indian gynaecologists and would-be mothers a unique way of delivery by successfully opting for water-birth technique in a South Delhi hospital.

Charlotte Walter, 36, mother of six-year-old Delilah and three-year-old Wilfred, has a unique history.

All her three babies were delivered using the water-birth technique.

Charlotte, who is reported to have delivered the baby on Saturday with a smile and minus any stitches, says: “The delivery was quicker here.”

Explaining the technique to mediapersons here today, gynaecologist Urvashi Sehgal said the child was delivered in a birthing pool with the would-be mother submerged in water at body temperature.

“It is relaxing and soothing. The cervix dilates better and it is a gentler and more pleasant way of delivery.”

She said the delivery using this technique costs anything between Rs 18,000 and 40,000. The hospital arranged waterproof foetal monitor for the delivery.

When Charlotte and her husband Jonathan, who works with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, decided to have their child in New Delhi instead of their home country, they had a tough time exploring options.

“We approached all major hospitals before coming to Phoenix. I just wanted the best experience for my wife and baby. Each of our children has emerged so peacefully. It has been a special moment,” he said. Sehgal says in her 17 years of experience as a consultant gynaecologist, she has not come across a single case of delivery using the water-birth technique in India.

“We are yet to verify with FOGSI (Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecological Societies of India) if this is the first water birth in India,” she said.