Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), in collaboration with the WHO Collaborative Centre for Research & Training Community Based Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCAH), SWOGS, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, and New Era Mother and Child Hospital, Nagpur, organized a two-day workshop titled ‘Swayam - Art of Natural Birthing.’ The workshop aimed to promote midwifery and respectful care, ensuring positive birthing experiences for mothers.
The inauguration of the workshop held on 2nd May 2024, distinguished dignitaries including Chief Guest Dr. Pushpa Chaudhary (Team Lead, RMNCA-H, WHO India office and alumni of MGIMS), Shri PL Tapadia (Vice-President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society and Chair WHO collaborative center, MGIMS), Dr. AK Shukla (Dean MGIMS), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital and Director Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MGIMS), Dr. Shuchi Jain (Professor and Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MGIMS), Dr. Anupama Rao (Advisor Clinical Services and Training, Jhpiego), Dr. Poonam Goyal (Chairperson, Safe Motherhood Committee, FOGSI), and Mrs. Lakshmi Viswanatha (Manager Midwifery, Aastrika Foundations).
Dr. Shukla welcomed all participants and emphasized upon MGIMS’s role as India’s first nodal centre for NMTI. Dr. Chaudhary, in her address, highlighted the need for respectful maternal care and collaboration opportunities with MGIMS. “This workshop is just the beginning. We have a long way to go”, Dr Pushpa said. Shri Tapadia underscored the institute's commitment to reducing maternal mortality and promoting midwife-led healthcare. Dr. Garg emphasized, "The midwives are not dais but qualified nurses as per the International Midwife Confederation.” He also spoke about the challenges associated with the implementation of midwife-led care in India.
Many participants including medical faculty, private practitioners, residents, nursing students, and nursing staff from different parts of Vidarbha participated in the workshop. The workshop covered a range of topics such as digitalized arc partography, WHO Labour Care Guide and ideal labor rooms, alternate birthing positions, non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, and more. Distinguished experts including Dr. Deepti Shrivastava, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Kshama Kedar, Dr. Shilpa Raut, Dr Deepa Gupta, Dr Bangal, Dr Ritu, Dr Anuja and Dr. Ujwala Mogre lead the scientific sessions. The workshop involved hands-on training at skill stations focusing on obstetric triaging, midwifery-led care unit setup, birthing tools, natural birthing demonstrations, and feedback sessions. On 3rd May, coinciding with International Midwifery Day, participants visited the Midwifery Care Led Unit at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department MGIMS, and engaged in discussions on respectful care practices.
“The workshop promises to be a significant initiative in advancing midwifery and ensuring respectful care for mothers during childbirth”, said Dr Poonam Varma.