Ministry confirms ban on water birthing

PUTRAJAYA: Water births will no longer be allowed in Malaysia, Health Ministry deputy director-general (Medical) Datuk Dr S. Jeyaindran said today.
He said the ministry has since ordered Pantai Kuala Lumpur to stop allowing mothers to birth in a warm pool of water, known as water birthing.
"We will be issuing a circular to all other hospitals who are currently providing water births as well. This is because there are some concerns internationally and we had a meeting with experts where it was decided there is no evident benefits of the practice," he told a press conference at the ministry.
Asked if there was any untoward incident that led them to this decision, he said no.
"Why should we wait until there is an incident or a baby dies? Who will be responsible if that happens? Until it is proven to be beneficial or when there is adequate training provided to the midwives and nurses, we cannot allow it," he said.
There are three hospitals in Malaysia currently providing water birth to expectant mothers — Pantai Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Cheras and Island Hospital in Penang.
Pantai Kuala Lumpur has already received a directive to stop, and soon the other two hospitals will need to stop as well.
theSun reported today that expectant mothers who preferred gentle birthing were shocked when they found out that water birthing was no longer an option in private hospitals.
Interest groups on social media revealed that expectant mothers and proponents of gentle birthing were upset over the new stance by the ministry.
Water birth is a costly option that has been gaining popularity among women due to the natural pain relief it provides and the freedom to move for the mothers.
"Benefits of water birth includes promoting relaxation for the mother as the mother feels much lighter and more mobile in the pool of warm water. Warm water provides a cocoon of warmth and mothers would feel comfortable and relaxed.
"Because she is relaxed, she is able to produce hormones that are vital in the birthing process — oxytocin and endorphines, reducing the length of labours," a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner told theSun.