Child makes a mother and mother a child - Not the gender

7th January, 2017 - In yet another initiative of prenatal and post natal health, Sanidhya Hospital at South Bopal organised an awareness drive. A fun filled day where expecting mothers were invited to gather know how of many of their queries which remain either unanswered or leave them confused with too many inputs which are given by friends or relatives.

Dr. Archana Shah, gynaecologist and infertility specialist at Sanidhya Hospital mentioned, "this effort has been especially taken to educate the would be mothers who in today's age of nuclear families have no one to mentor them. Generally when expecting mothers arrive for consultation, which is of few minutes only, they have a list of queries which too need addressed with care and patience, hence we arrived at a better fun-filled and holistic solution to their requirement."

"Mommies Day Out" as the workshop is christened had sessions on breast feeding, yoga, labour management and foot spa. The cherry on the icing was Photo shoot where mommies can flaunt their baby bump and capture that frame in memories list.

A very sensitive question too surfaced, gender bias and ratio of girls that has declined from 9:10 to 8:10 when the world is chugging towards 2020 and India talking loud on Women Empowerment. When questioned, Dr. Shah mentioned that still Indian families want a male child, the attitude of people around and families is such that when the news of a girl arriving in this world is out, one can see silent faces shouting loud on disappointment. Whereas when a male child news is out, she can hear loud verbal rejoicing voices.

This is pathetic state of affairs in Tier 1 and Tier II cities, so what shall be the scenario in the rest of the country. Efforts on PNDT act on sex determination as a punishable offence haven't been of much help as families find a way out and they are ones who create pressure for a male child are never punished. 

Expecting mothers in the event when questioned about their desire for a male child said they just want a healthy baby. I specifically asked them a straight forward question "will you be a better or a bigger mother when have a baby boy?" their reply was, "they will be happy with even a girl".  Dr. Shah shares with her experience and observation that it is not the mothers but the families and elders who create pressure on the couples. 

Ironically, I conclude... "Let us educate and empower the Men, the future fathers and husbands", let's go the other way round. Women are already strong and empowered, strong emotionally to accept and be in a completely new environment and family. 

Time to sensitize the men of our society. 

Now Where are we going in 2020? 

Steer with clarity for a better future....