Natural Birth Symposium Held at Manisa Celal Bayar University

The opening program of the Natural Birth Symposium, organized by Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBU), Hafsa Sultan Hospital, the Faculty of Health Sciences Midwifery Department, and the Manisa Provincial Health Directorate, was held with a large turnout at the Health Campus, Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center.

With the slogans “The Natural is Normal Birth” and “Healthy Births, Healthy Future,” the symposium was organized under the honorary chairmanship of Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar and Manisa Provincial Health Director Opr. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Zeren. The symposium was chaired by Prof. Dr. İsmet Topçu, Chief Physician of Hafsa Sultan Hospital, and Prof. Dr. Naci Kemal Kuşçu, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The symposium was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer, Manisa Provincial Health Director Opr. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Zeren, deans, academicians, directors, health professionals, students, and invited guests.

In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nursen Bolsoy, Head of the Midwifery Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, stated, “Although pregnancy and birth are natural and physiological processes, with advancing technology and increasing literature, these processes have become criticized, with women not playing an active role and fears arising, leading to an increase in cesarean rates worldwide.

Normal birth and cesarean are not alternatives to each other. Cesarean is an obstetric intervention. It should be carried out without delay whenever necessary. The important thing is the health of the baby, the mother, and the family, and as healthcare professionals, we continue our efforts in line with this process.”

Prof. Dr. İsmet Topçu, the Chief Physician, emphasized that normal birth, which is natural, is not only a matter of obstetrics but also a public health issue aimed at protecting maternal and child health. He said, “Cesarean should only be performed when the risks of normal birth are greater than those of cesarean, and it must be done in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the mother and the baby. Medically unnecessary cesarean puts the health of both the mother and the baby at risk. If possible, normal birth should be supported in terms of both maternal and fetal health.”

Opr. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Zeren provided information about their studies, stating, “In recent years, increasing cesarean rates continue to be a problem for our region, our country, and even the world. Therefore, on November 3, 2024, the Ministry of Health announced the ‘Normal Birth Action Plan.’ This plan, which consists of forty items and fourteen action headings, is being implemented step by step in the best possible way.”

In her opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar said, “Birth is the beginning of a life and a turning point for a family. We believe that this special process should occur in the healthiest, most natural, and safest way possible. Therefore, we view the issue of ‘natural birth’ not only as a medical matter but also as a humanitarian one.”

Rector Kibar emphasized that as a university, they would continue to lead efforts in supporting natural birth, combining their academic expertise in the health field with community-oriented initiatives. She stated, “We know that the Ministry of Health’s National Maternal and Infant Health Action Plan also emphasizes promoting natural birth, reducing unnecessary cesarean rates, and expanding educational services for pregnant women. This policy provides us with a roadmap and makes our work in this area more meaningful and powerful.

As Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital, we act with this responsibility in mind and take steps to support natural birth. In this context, our ‘Pregnancy School,’ which we have established, aims to comprehensively prepare our expectant mothers from pre-birth to post-birth. We support women’s strong physical and emotional participation in this process.

Additionally, to support natural birth, promote normal birth, and provide higher-quality healthcare services to women, we have established our ‘Midwife Polyclinic’ within our hospital. In this clinic, we provide individual support, education, and follow-up services, particularly during pregnancy.

I sincerely thank all the institutions that contributed to the preparation of the symposium, as well as all the academicians and health professionals who played a role in its organization. I wish for the symposium to be successful and fruitful.”

The opening program concluded with the presentation of thank-you certificates to the session chairs and a group photo. The symposium will continue throughout the day with four separate sessions.