The Fernandez Hospital Educational and Research Foundation (FHERF), a pioneer in maternal and newborn healthcare, inaugurated the second edition of the Better Birthing Experience (BBE) Conference at The Park, Hyderabad.
The two-day event brought together clinicians, midwives, nurses, and public-health experts from India and abroad to discuss ways to make childbirth safer, more natural, and more respectful.
Reimagining Childbirth for a New Era
This year’s theme, “Reimagining Childbirth: A Call for Change,” highlights the growing need to reshape maternity systems and rebuild trust in the birthing process. The conference includes interactive workshops, paper presentations, and expert panels that focus on:
- Reducing unnecessary C-sections.
- Promoting midwifery-led care and collaborative models.
- Encouraging informed decision-making for every woman.
- Ensuring dignity, safety, and empowerment in maternity care.
“India’s progress is deeply linked to the health and empowerment of its women,” said Dr Evita Fernandez, Managing Trustee, FHERF. “When care respects a woman’s body and her choices, we move closer to a compassionate and equitable society. The Better Birthing Experience Conference represents that vision.”
Addressing Rising C-Section Trends
India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has improved to 93 (2019–21) from 97 (2018–20), but C-section rates are rising sharply, especially in private hospitals.
According to NFHS-5, nearly one in two births in private facilities are now caesarean deliveries.
Experts at BBE 2025 are urging renewed advocacy and public education to ensure that surgical births remain reserved for medical necessity. The conference also emphasizes training, teamwork, and respectful maternity care to improve outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
Fernandez Hospital Continued Leadership
For over seven decades, Fernandez Hospital has championed safe and humane birthing practices in India. Key initiatives include:
- Midwifery education and capacity-building programs.
- Birth-companion initiatives to provide emotional support during labour.
- Hydrotherapy and waterbirth options for natural delivery.
- Continuous training in respectful maternity care for healthcare professionals nationwide.
Through these efforts, Fernandez Hospital continues to inspire a national movement toward woman-centred birthing care.
