An obstetrician at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children in Abu Dhabi performed the 1st Natural Cesarean section for a German mom delivering her first baby girl. This came following the request of the mother who was medically unable to deliver naturally; and wished for making the birth of her first baby as close as possible to a normal delivery.

The technique of a Natural Cesarean section was described and reported in London back in 2008; and very few hospitals worldwide are performing this type of procedure.

"In this natural cesarean section, just after baby's head was out of the mother's womb, the cloth barrier between the parents and the surgical team was lowered to enable the mom and dad to watch their baby being delivered, which was in a slower manner. This allows the baby to be born into a calmer environment; popping out of the small incision made in the abdomen of the mom, wriggling and pushing its shoulders and body out on its own over a few minutes. Once the baby was delivered, she was immediately placed on the mother's chest for early skin-to-skin contact, with the umbilical cord still attached. Delayed cord clamping, which means clamping the umbilical cord only once the pulsations have stopped allows for more nutrients and more benefits for the baby," Dr. Gowri Ramanathan, Chair of Women's Services, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology at Danat Al Emarat Hospital who performed the natural cesarean section explained.

"Early skin-to-skin contact has several benefits for the baby; including stabilizing baby's pulse, reducing high cortisone levels, control of breathing and body temperature, immunization against bacteria, and control of blood sugar levels. It also increases breastfeeding rates. During the few first hours after giving birth, and after cutting the umbilical cord; the mother and her baby were covered calmly together," Dr. Gowri added.

"At all times during this natural caesarean section, safety to the mother and baby was prioritized," Dr. Gowri stated. "It was indeed a very exciting moment for the parents; and for us as a team. The set-up in the Operating Room was somewhat different than the usual cesarean section; and there was a multidisciplinary team involved including the anesthesiologist, midwives and a team of nurses and technicians."

The baby weighed 3500 grams; and was born in week 39 of pregnancy; and was given a nickname by her parents and the hospital - The Natural One.

Source: Khaleej Times