Caesarean section rates are alarming: “We want to eliminate the concept of elective cesarean section”

In Kocaeli, the trainings in the pregnancy school, which aims to encourage normal birth instead of cesarean section, have been completed. Stating that cesarean section rates are increasing, Provincial Health Director Op. Dr. Yüksel Pehlevan said, “We are trying to encourage people to have normal births. Of course, if there is an abnormal situation, it is not right to say 'Let's not do cesarean section', but we want to eliminate the concept of optional cesarean section as much as possible.”

A graduation ceremony was held after the completion of the trainings in the pregnant school opened in the City Hospital under the coordination of Kocaeli Provincial Health Directorate. Provincial Health Director Op. Dr. Yüksel Pehlevan, Hospital Chief Physician Assoc. Dr. Bahri Elmas, physicians, health workers, expectant mothers and their spouses attended the ceremony. Pehlevan came together with the couples and gave information about the training given in pregnancy schools.

“It is our duty to convey that birth is a physiological process in the most accurate way”

Stating that they want to provide education to all expectant mothers in Kocaeli in pregnancy classes, Op. Dr. Yüksel Pehlevan said, “We have taken important steps towards creating pregnancy classes in all our hospitals and district health directorates. Today, we held a pregnancy education graduation ceremony at Kocaeli City Hospital. We carried out this training together with the spouses. We informed them about the physiological conditions that may occur during pregnancy, we gave them information about the nutritional status and how to control them. We especially did the training together with the spouses so that they would have information. Let them help their wives. It is our duty to convey that birth is a physiological process in the most accurate way.”

“We want to eliminate the concept of elective cesarean section as much as possible”

Yüksel Pehlevan stated that they are working to increase the number of normal births and said, “We are trying to encourage people to have normal births. Of course, if there is an abnormal situation, it is not right to say 'Let's not do cesarean section', but we want to eliminate the concept of optional cesarean section as much as possible. Birth is a physiological event. In this regard, we want to bring our normal birth rates to world standards. Unfortunately, our cesarean section rates are quite high both in our country and in our province. After all, cesarean section is an operation. If there is an indication, cesarean section is necessary, but if it is not very necessary, cesarean section should not be performed. This is very important for mother and baby health.”

“The ultimate goal is to instill normal birth”

Stating that pregnancy education contributes to expectant mothers, Kocaeli City Hospital Chief Physician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahri Elmas said, “We have a form about pregnancy education on the website of our hospital. We call everyone who fills out the form and divide them into groups after the 20th week and provide educational support here. We carry out the trainings at the entrance of the maternity ward on the B block 0th floor. Our trainings are completely free of charge. Our aim here is to maintain a healthy pregnancy and prepare our expectant mothers for any difficulties that may arise during the process. Our ultimate goal is to instill in them the most natural birth process, normal birth. To raise awareness in every field, before and after the process.”

“We received very valuable information”

Rahime Nur Güçbilmez, a mother-to-be who received training at the pregnancy school, said, “I had a 6-day training period at the Pregnancy School at Kocaeli City Hospital. We consulted with physicians here about everything we could think of. Our midwives and nurses took very good care of us. We received very valuable information about both prenatal and postnatal processes. Especially for those who are pregnant with their first child, it is useful to hear this information from the first person. I would like to thank everyone who provided this opportunity.”

“We want to contribute to the normal birth process”

Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Öykü Yavuz said, “Here, we show pregnant women the steps to be followed during and after the preparation of the birth process. For 3 weeks, we provide training to our pregnant women twice a week.” Op. Dr. Ömer Doğukan Saraç stated that they support pregnant women free of charge and said, “We want to contribute to the process of increasing normal birth in our country.”

Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Emre Sertel said, “Here we prepare our pregnant women before and after birth. We break the prejudices of our pregnant women. Hopefully, we aim to accomplish better things.”