The Erbil Teaching Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers painless natural births, a procedure that has directly impacted the decline in cesarean section deliveries.
The hospital launched the painless birth service on April 24, and at least 230 pregnant women have benefited from it up to June 17, according to hospital director Shadan Sherwan Heidari.
Dr. Shadan Sherwan spoke with KirkukNow about the details of the painless birth service and how to access it in government hospitals compared to private hospitals.
The gas used for anesthesia in the operating room is called nitrous oxide.
Shadan Sherwan, Director of the Erbil Teaching Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, spoke with Kirkuk Now about the benefits of painless, natural childbirth.
KirkukNow: What is a painless birth, and who is it performed on?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: It is a natural, painless birth using nitrous oxide gas to anesthetize the pregnant woman. This service is now available free of charge.
Dr. Shadan Sherwan Haidari, Director of Erbil Teaching Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology
KirkukNow: How many women benefit from this procedure daily?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: There is no specific number.
KirkukNow: Does painless birth cause harm or complications to the pregnant woman or the fetus?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: It does not cause any major harm or complications to the pregnant woman or the fetus, except for some side effects that disappear when the impact of the anesthetic gas wears off.
KirkukNow: When did you start offering this service at your hospital, and how many have benefited from it so far?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: The service has been offered at our hospital since April 24, and in less than two months, 230 women have benefited from it.
KirkukNow: How much does this service cost at your hospital, and what is its cost in private hospitals?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: All services provided at our hospital are free, but they cost 150,000 dinars per hour in private hospitals.
KirkukNow: Has this service had an impact on the decline in cesarean births?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: Yes, it has had a positive impact on reducing cesarean births.
KirkukNow: Can a woman give birth to her first child by cesarean section and then use this service for her second child?
Dr. Shadan Shirwan: Yes, she can.
