Kaduna State University Hosts Seminar on Waterbirth

The College of Allied Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kaduna State University (KASU) recently held a seminar on waterbirth, a safer and gentler approach to childbirth.

The event was part of the university's monthly seminar series and featured a presentation by Salamatu Umar, a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Sciences.

Umar highlighted the benefits of waterbirth, including increased calmness, alertness, and less crying in newborns. She also noted that the experience is often less traumatic for newborns and more empowering for mothers. According to Umar, waterbirth can be a safe and effective method of childbirth, already in use in over 100 countries.

However, Umar emphasized that waterbirth is not suitable for all cases and must be carefully managed. Proper maternal assessment is key, and factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), gestational age, fever status, and the availability of specialized equipment and monitoring tools must be considered.

The seminar reflects KASU's ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and promoting evidence-based innovations in healthcare delivery. Umar called on health professionals and policymakers to consider waterbirth as a viable option within Nigeria's maternal healthcare system, citing its potential to improve birth outcomes and maternal satisfaction.

Introducing waterbirth into Nigerian hospitals will require preparation, training, and investment. However, Umar believes it is worth exploring for its potential benefits. The university's seminar series provides a platform for discussing innovative approaches to healthcare and promoting best practices in the field.