YouTuber’s video sparks controversy
YouTuber and food vlogger Irfan’s latest video of his newborn in an operation theatre (OT) has set off debates on and off social media. With the incident raising certain questions on current practices in private hospitals, safety, and ethical concerns, some of Chennai’s senior obstetrician-gynaecologists delve into the intricacies involved.
Kanimozhi N.V.N. Somu, obstetrician and gynaecologist and Rajya Sabha Member, said there was no hard and fast rule on whether a husband should or should not be allowed into a labour room. It solely depended on the doctor’s discretion. However this was not a right that could be availed of by patient or attender. “The emergence of boutique hospitals and the concept of birthing suites over the past two decades brought in the culture of allowing husbands into the delivery room for vaginal deliveries. If the woman ends up having a a caesarean section, the doctor and hospital alone can decide on this,” she said.
Jaishree Gajaraj, senior consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: “For a vaginal delivery, more and more doctors are now allowing husbands into the labour room. However, I am not comfortable with allowing a man to enter the operation theatre as he could be intimidated by the wires and monitors. If a woman is awake during a caesarean section — under spinal anaesthesia — then her partner can be allowed as she is aware, and her respect for privacy is maintained. If she is under general anaesthesia, only medical and paramedical personnel are allowed. We need clarity on this aspect. This used to be the practice when I worked in the United Kingdom; allow the man in if a woman is awake, and an absolute ‘no’ if she is not. At times, a husband is allowed to sit by her head for emotional support after she is draped.”
Some doctors do allow husbands to cut the umbilical cord, if they ask, in case of vaginal deliveries, they added.
Obstetrics is no longer seen as a pathological condition, but is looked at as a normal physiological process, added Dr. Kanimozhi.