Prof. Dr. Engin Yıldırım, an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist at Malatya Training and Research Hospital and faculty member at Malatya Turgut Özal University, has called for greater public awareness about the benefits of natural childbirth.

Speaking during Natural Childbirth Week, Yıldırım described natural delivery not only as a medical preference but as a cornerstone for building healthier generations. “Natural childbirth is more than just a method of delivery—it’s a physiological and spiritual process that protects the mother, strengthens the baby, and ensures the well-being of families and society as a whole,” he said.

According to Yıldırım, natural childbirth activates a perfectly coordinated hormonal chain involving the placenta, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. “This intricate system ensures that both mother and baby are ready—physically and emotionally—for birth,” he explained.

The process begins when the baby’s lungs mature and send biochemical signals to the mother’s body, triggering contractions. Hormones such as oxytocin, prostaglandins, and endorphins work together to manage pain, initiate labor, and promote bonding immediately after delivery. “This is a harmony no surgical intervention can replicate,” Yıldırım added.

The baby’s descent through the birth canal also plays a vital role. During a natural delivery, the baby is exposed to the mother’s microbiome, a diverse collection of beneficial bacteria that colonize the newborn’s intestines. This early microbial exposure, experts say, boosts the immune system and strengthens digestion.

Medical studies confirm that natural childbirth contributes significantly to infant health. Research published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Lancet shows that babies born vaginally have stronger immune responses and fewer respiratory problems.

“Natural labor contractions help clear fluid from the baby’s lungs before birth, reducing the risk of breathing difficulties,” Yıldırım said. “Babies born naturally also adapt more easily to life outside the womb, with better thermoregulation and cardiovascular stability.”

Moreover, mothers who give birth naturally often begin breastfeeding sooner—typically within the first hour after delivery. This early skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, fostering emotional bonding and stimulating milk production. “Breast milk is the baby’s first vaccine,” Yıldırım emphasized. “It provides essential antibodies and nutrients that strengthen the immune system.”

The advantages of natural childbirth extend far beyond the delivery room. Mothers who deliver naturally experience faster postpartum recovery, lower infection risk, and reduced hospital stay durations. “When compared to cesarean surgery, natural childbirth allows women to return to their daily lives more quickly,” Yıldırım said.

Hormonal balance also plays a key role in the postpartum period. Natural labor helps the uterus contract efficiently, minimizing bleeding and promoting faster physical recovery. “In contrast, cesarean births can increase the risk of complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and longer hospital stays,” he added.

While acknowledging that cesarean sections are essential in certain medical cases—such as breech presentation, fetal distress, or placenta previa—Prof. Yıldırım cautioned against their overuse.

“Cesarean is a major surgical procedure. It should be reserved for medical necessity, not convenience,” he said. “Each operation carries risks: anesthesia complications, excessive bleeding, infections, and even difficulties in future pregnancies.”

Data from the World Health Organization indicate that the global rate of cesarean deliveries has nearly doubled in the past two decades, reaching over 21% of all births. The WHO recommends a rate between 10–15%, emphasizing that higher rates do not correlate with improved maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Türkiye’s cesarean rate, however, remains among the world’s highest—exceeding 52%, according to the Ministry of Health. Some private hospitals report figures approaching 70–75%, often driven by convenience scheduling or fear of labor pain.

“The overuse of cesarean sections has become a public health concern,” Yıldırım warned. “When unnecessary, these surgeries can have long-term consequences—not only for mothers but for the children’s health.”

Studies have shown that children born via cesarean delivery face higher risks of asthma, obesity, and autoimmune diseases, due to limited microbial exposure during birth. “We must restore confidence in the natural process of childbirth,” he said.

Natural childbirth is also far more cost-effective. In Türkiye, a cesarean delivery can be four to five times more expensive than a vaginal birth. Beyond healthcare costs, the longer recovery period associated with surgery imposes financial and emotional strain on families.

“Encouraging natural childbirth eases the burden on hospitals and allows families to focus on bonding rather than recovery,” Yıldırım said. “It strengthens family unity, reduces maternal anxiety, and enhances the nation’s overall well-being.”

The Ministry of Health has launched several programs to address the issue. These include public awareness campaigns, antenatal education classes, and training for midwives and healthcare providers to promote natural delivery practices. The ministry’s “Normal Doğum Eylem Planı” (Normal Birth Action Plan) aims to reduce unnecessary cesareans nationwide and encourage supportive birth environments where women feel safe and informed.

Yıldırım concluded his remarks with a message that goes beyond medicine: “Ensuring a culture of natural birth is not just about health—it’s about the future of our nation.”

He emphasized that the issue should be addressed through public education, family counseling, and the media. “A healthy society begins with healthy mothers and babies,” he said. “When we support natural childbirth, we are investing in the next generation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

As Türkiye marks Natural Childbirth Week, health professionals across the country echo Yıldırım’s call for awareness. The message is clear: childbirth, when respected as a natural and sacred process, is not just the beginning of life—it is the foundation of a healthier nation. (ILKHA)