Having a baby is a special moment, and there are two main ways babies are born-natural birth and C-section. Natural birth means the baby is born through the mother’s vagina, while a C-section is a surgical delivery through the belly. Recently, actor Sunil Shetty made headlines by sharing his views on childbirth. He spoke about his daughter Athiya Shetty’s natural birth and compared it to C-sections, calling the latter “easy.” His comments sparked a big discussion about the differences between these two delivery methods. Let’s take a closer look at what natural birth and C-sections really mean, and why both are important.
Sunil Shetty’s Statement Sparks Online Debate![sunil shetty 1 - 2025-05-19T120840.957]()
Sunil Shetty spoke with pride about his daughter Athiya Shetty choosing a natural birth instead of a C-section. He called natural birth a braver and stronger choice, and even said that many people today choose the “comfort” of a C-section. This comment quickly sparked a debate on social media.
“In a world where everybody wants the comfort of having a caesarean baby, she chose not to do that and had a natural delivery,” he shared. The actor further added, “I remember how every nurse and paediatrician in the hospital said that it’s unbelievable how she went through the whole process. That hit me as a father. I was like, ‘Wow, she’s ready!’ Athiya was very, very strong to do that”.
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Difference Between C-section and Natural Birth![Difference Between C-section and Natural Birth 2 - 2025-05-19T120841.941]()
Dr Chetna Jain, Director of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram, explains that natural birth, or vaginal delivery, usually happens with little or no medical help. It can take place in a hospital, birthing centre, or even at home with a trained doctor or midwife. Pain relief can be used, but the focus is on letting the body do its job naturally. Natural birth often means a shorter recovery time, fewer surgical risks, and immediate skin-to-skin contact with the baby. It also helps the baby’s breathing and usually costs less. However, natural birth can be unpredictable, sometimes painful, and may lead to tears or other injuries.
On the other hand, a C-section is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through a cut in the mother’s belly and uterus. Dr Jain says C-sections are done when natural birth is unsafe, such as in cases of medical complications, prolonged labour, or fetal distress. C-sections can be planned ahead, are safer for some high-risk pregnancies, and avoid vaginal tears. But they come with longer recovery, higher surgical risks, delayed bonding, and more costs. However, choosing between the two depends on the mother’s health, pregnancy risks, and the doctor’s advice.
When is a C-Section Needed?
Doctors may suggest a C-section if:
- The baby’s heart rate is not normal
- The placenta is blocking the birth canal
- The baby is not head-down
- Labour isn’t moving forward
- The mother has certain infections
- There are twins or more
How to Choose Between Natural Birth and C-Section![baby delivery 3 - 2025-05-19T120839.430]()
Choosing the best way to give birth depends on many things:
- What the mother wants
- Her health and medical history
- Advice from her doctor
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Conclusion
No matter how a baby is born-through natural birth or C-section, the most important thing is the safety and well-being of both mother and child. While Sunil Shetty’s comment has sparked a debate, it depends on an individual's pregnancy health and overall health. However, the truth is, every birth-whether natural or by C-section-requires courage and should be respected. The most important thing is a safe delivery and a healthy mother and child, no matter which method is chosen.