When you choose a doctor or clinic for your birth in Mexico, you may notice that all their package offers are divided into 3 types: parto fisiologico, parto humanizado and cesárea. The former are always cheaper, the latter are always the most expensive. We want to briefly explain the difference between physiological and humanized childbirth as understood by doctors in Mexico. Everyone already knows what childbirth through a caesarean section is, but we will also tell you about them.
Parto fisiologico / natural — physiological or natural childbirth. In principle, most births are natural if nothing interferes with them. In Mexico, a natural birth is believed to be one that begins spontaneously and in which the woman's body produces its own oxytocin and produces contractions that are sufficient to open and push the baby through the birth canal until it is released through the vagina. In a normal natural birth, there must be a compelling reason to alter or interfere with the natural process. That is, only interventions that are justified must be performed.
Parto humanizado — humanized childbirth. Many people think that this is the same as natural childbirth. Indeed, different clinics may call the same package either one way or another. But often they are not the same thing. Parto humanizado — this term is contained in Mexican legislation as an antagonism to “obstetric violence”, and that is why it has gained such popularity. Obstetric violence — this is when the doctor decides for the woman in labor when, how and even with whom she should give birth. Obstetric violence — This is cruel treatment disguised as medical support, moreover, a waste of money on unnecessary interventions when childbirth should take place naturally with a minimum of such.
Humanized childbirth — this is in contrast to unnecessary caesarean section births. That is why many doctors and clinics specifically highlight the name «humanized childbirth» in their programs to emphasize that they will not force a woman to give birth. The doctor will not induce labor or force you to push, even if labor lasts 12 hours. And there will be no caesarean section or episiotomy. More precisely, it has the right to be, but not to facilitate childbirth, but only if the situation threatens the health of the mother or child.
In a humanized birth, the wishes of the mother are prioritized rather than the wishes of the doctor, as is usually the case in Mexico. Doctors emphasize that during a humanized birth, all the wishes and needs of the woman are taken into account, her rights are respected, and she is treated as a patient who is able to intuitively choose the best for herself. And of course, all hope is for the natural expulsion of the fetus through the uterus. Common practice in humanized childbirth — the presence of a spouse or relatives.
When offering humane birth packages, doctors often emphasize that they practice immediate attachment, delayed cord cutting, immediate breastfeeding, and the use of medications only for medical reasons.
Cesárea — We won’t tell you what a caesarean section is. No matter how natural the birth may seem at first glance, if the doctor decides that the process threatens the health of the mother or child, medical protocols will work and a caesarean section will be performed. This is the sole decision of the doctor, which must be reasonable and will not depend on the wishes of the mother. This mechanism is prescribed in legislation. Neither the doctor nor the clinic are interested in having an emergency, and preserving life is more important. The doctor will warn you that such cases happen “sometimes”, hinting that he has no right to exclude a cesarean section.
At the same time, there are as many supporters of cesarean section as there are opponents. In addition to medical indications for cesarean section, many women want to make childbirth easier and avoid pain, therefore they are pre-prepared for surgical intervention and choose this particular package in advance. Maternity packages with cesárea include the cost of anesthesiologists and operating room services and a minimum of 2 nights in the clinic, therefore they are always more expensive.
It hurts the ear when among foreigners coming to Mexico for childbirth, the myth is first circulated that the generally accepted practice of childbirth in Mexico — through caesarean section, and then a solution is offered — «humanized childbirth is only with us». But you didn’t come to the village to give birth and you didn’t come to a rural clinic. Yes, in Mexico all doctors can perform caesarean sections. But all modern clinics immediately separate natural birth from cesarean, and in hospitals owned by American and European companies there are enough qualified specialists who can perform obstetric care without surgical intervention.
Now let's explain everything more simply.
During a vaginal birth, there will be no interventions such as pain management or drugs to induce contractions. By and large, no one owes you anything, just lie down and give birth. Millions of women do just that. Each service is paid additionally. But all basic services will be included, such as a ward, doctor's supervision, key tests, food and care for mother and child.
During a humanized birth, your wishes and whims will be taken into account. Do you want to give birth sitting or standing? Please! Do you want music for meditation — Please! You want to push, you want not to push. The price of additional procedures and medications will be included, even if they are not needed. Roughly speaking, you pay in advance for those services and medications that you may potentially need, and this will be cheaper than paying for them after the fact. An extra room or sofa may be offered for someone who will accompany you during the birth, although this is often also included in the price of a natural birth package. One way or another, your time in the clinic will be limited to 24 hours.
These differences, as well as the names of packages for childbirth (except cesarean) are very arbitrary. No two natural childbirth packages from different clinics have the same content. You have the right not to see the difference at all if you compare advertising offers from different clinics. Because the list of services available in advertising will be minimal. You will see the difference when you study the contracts with different clinics, one of which you will have to sign.
The cost of epidural anesthesia, additional treatment associated with complications, additional tests and ultrasound may be included in packages, but is often paid separately.