Nine infant deaths in nine months due to home birth; experts blame narrow mindset in people

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over the past nine months, nine infants have tragically died in the state as a result of home births without seeking hospital treatment. This plight comes at a time when the state is setting an example for the country as the state with the lowest infant mortality rate.

Nine children died between April and December. The Health Department revealed this in its Right to Information reply to Advocate Kulathur Jaisingh.

Two deaths each occurred in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts, and one death each occurred in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kozhikode districts.

The Health Department assesses that the tragedies are due to the narrow-minded mindset of some people that no one else should witness childbirth and that giving birth at home is better for the mother and the child. Although extensive campaigns are being conducted through ASHA workers and local bodies to seek treatment for pregnancy, many are ignoring it.

The actual death rate will be higher

Home births that don't go well often end up at hospitals. However, the baby often dies within hours in such cases. Since the baby arrived at the hospital alive, it is not counted as a death due to home birth, as the baby died at the hospital. They are included in the neonatal mortality rate. So the actual figure is likely to be higher.

4 years, 18 deaths (deaths by district from 2021-24)

Thiruvananthapuram..................................2

Kollam..................................................1

Pathanamthitta............................1

Alappuzha..................................2

Ernakulam..................................2

Thrissur..................................................2

Palakkad..................................................1

Malappuram..................................4

Kozhikode..................................1

Kasargode..................................1

Haemorrhage, irregular heartbeat villain

• Excessive bleeding and variations in the baby's heartbeat can only be resolved in the hospital. Excessive bleeding from the part of the mother can be life-threatening.
• If labour is prolonged, blood flow to the baby's head will decrease. It can lead to mental retardation.
• The mother and baby can overcome the danger only if there are expert services and facilities.

"Preparing for a home birth where anything can happen is inviting danger." - Dr. N. Shyamala, Former Superintendent, S.A.T. Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram