In a remarkable achievement, a team headed by Dr Leena Das, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon & Fertility Specialist,Ankura Hospitals, Bhubaneswar successfully welcomed a healthy baby boy weighing 3 Kgs through the innovative method of water birthing without any complications. This outstanding accomplishment further enhances Ankura Hospital’s reputation as the sole facility in Bhubaneswar to provide this unique birthing option.

Ananya Anupama and her husband were overjoyed to learn that they were expecting a baby. Ananya’s pregnancy progressed without any issues or health concerns. She was scheduled to deliver after 37 weeks when the labor pain came spontaneously. The couple decided to pursue a water birth, which they believed would be less painful and conducted thorough research on the process before reaching out to Ankura Hospital in Bhubaneswar for the successful delivery of their child.

Dr Leena Das added, “This couple chose the option of Water birthing involving delivering in a tub of warm water, providing pain relief and a greater sense of control for mothers. The other benefits are faster labor, lesser pain, improved relaxation, and reduced anxiety in women.  Submerging the body in warm water enhances the flexibility of the perineal tissues, contributing to a safer delivery with minimal risk of cuts or tears. This woman met the criteria for water birthing, which included being at full-term, having naturally induced labor after 37 weeks without complications, and not suffering from health issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or bleeding disorders. Throughout her pregnancy, she participated in exercise programs facilitated by our physiotherapy team. During labor, she benefited from massages aimed at improving her comfort level.”

Dr Das added, “After the 6-hour water birthing process, the woman delivered a 3 kg healthy baby boy, who was absolutely fine and cried immediately after birth.  The pediatric team was also ready to care for the baby immediately after birth. The mother and the baby are doing well. Water birthing is extremely safe, a pain alleviation mechanism, and is a novel experience for the couple.”

The couple is extremely pleased with their experience at Ankura Hospital, appreciating the exceptional care and support they received. Her husband was particularly happy to be actively involved in the process, and they both consider it a wonderful memory. “The delivery process involves both my husband and me. He expressed a desire to be involved, and I was also eager for him to participate. It was my criteria that the husband should be allowed in the delivery room if it is a normal delivery. We spoke to Dr Leena regarding this. I came to know that hydrotherapy helps with pain management. For that, I had to do weekly exercises for two days in the Hospital right after 7 months of pregnancy. Before that, I was also exercising and active. I got that much-needed support from Ankura Hospital. I was given continuous massages during water birthing. My membrane was ruptured under the water, hydrotherapy helped me with pain management,” said Ananya Anupama, mother of the baby.

“Our preference was to look for a hospital or doctors who treat us as future parents and not as patients. We visited multiple hospitals but didn’t find the kind of facilities and expertise that we were looking for. Dr Leena comforted us and cleared all our doubts. We were happy about the facilities provided by Ankura Hospital such as water birthing, and physiotherapy support. I witnessed my wife giving birth to my baby. It was a unique experience. I was immensely happy and  fortunate to have experienced the birthing process of my baby. I urge parents to get actively involved in the baby’s birth process as it is a miraculous process,” said the father of the baby.

Ankura Hospital, Bhubaneswar boasts advanced technology and cutting-edge amenities, including innovative birthing methods like water birth, to ensure successful deliveries. The hospital is committed to offering exceptional care, high-quality treatment, and outstanding facilities for its patients,” concluded Dr. Bichitrananda Raut, Medical Director,Ankura Hospitals,Bhubaneswar