Natural Birth Unit

The idea of the natural birth unit is to give mothers a homely environment and the freedom to choose the position and conditions in which they want to deliver their baby in the knowledge that expert assistance is at hand if and when needed.

Speaking at the official opening in March 2001, former Miss Namibia and Miss Universe Michelle McLean commended the Welwitschia Hospital on "the fantastic project". "This is an amazing opportunity for women in Namibia," she said. By giving women such choices men were also empowered, she added. "The men are not pushed into a corner, but become part of the process which increases their confidence in being a father."

A natural birth (also known as an un-medicated birth) is just that - it is the delivery of a baby without using drugs or surgery. You really can have a beautiful, drug-free experience in childbirth even if you have your baby in the hospital.

With natural birth, mothers are encouraged to work with their bodies and with gravity. They are encouraged to understand the way their body functions, what part the pelvis, uterus, the cervix and the baby all play in birth.

1. Pain management
2. Less or no need for medical intervention
3. Water creates support and equal pressure on all parts of a womans body
4. Due to buoyancy less energy is used when giving birth in water
5. Blood supply to the uterus is increased and as a result contractions are more efficient
6. An improved blood supply to the placenta during water birth also improves the unborn baby's oxygen levels
7. Warm water softens the vagina, perineum and vulva, which attributes to the low rate of vaginal tearing and tissue trauma with water birth
8. Water birth is an extremely gentle birth method for mother and baby
9. Water can make bearing down more comfortable
10. During contractions the mother feels less pressure on the abdomen and uterus.
11. The mother can easily move to the most comfortable position with each contraction

Contact Us:naturalbirth@erongomedical.com