Understanding “Painless Normal Delivery” with Dr. Aditi Godbole

 When I walked into the maternity wing of Jeevan Doctors Planet in Thane last month, the gentle hum of monitors and soft footsteps of nursing staff reminded me that childbirth remains one of nature’s most powerful journeys—even when new techniques promise to ease the pain. I was there to personally interview Dr. Aditi Godbole, a well-known obstetrician in the Mumbai metropolitan region, about her approach to what many patients call “painless normal delivery.”

Meeting Dr. Aditi Godbole: Qualifications, Experience, Clinic Setup

Dr. Aditi Godbole’s credential page lists her as MBBS (Govt. Medical College, Aurangabad, 2007) and DNB in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (National Board, New Delhi, 2014). In conversation, she told me she has over 17 years of clinical experience including antenatal care, labour management, high-risk obstetrics, and minimally invasive gynecologic procedures.

Her consulting setup spans multiple locations: her primary base at Jeevan Doctors Planet along with consulting rooms at Alpha Specialty Clinic (Thane West), Rainbow Life Hospital, and at Dr. Thorat’s Sanjeevani Health Care in Upper Thane. The main clinic in Sai Tirth Towers, Kopri, Thane East, features a modest waiting area, dedicated ultrasound room, labour preparation rooms, and a small inpatient wing for monitoring early labour. She emphasized that she prefers to work in city hospitals with fully equipped operating theatres nearby to manage any emergencies.

Dr. Godbole told me she encourages patients to view childbirth as a physiologic process, and her aim is to reduce pain while preserving the possibility of a normal vaginal delivery whenever safe. She remarked that “painless normal delivery” in her practice means using regional analgesia (e.g. epidural) when indicated, rather than a blanket promise of zero sensation.

Other Practitioners Doing Similar Work

In India, Dr. Sunipa Chatterjee in Kolkata is one name associated with painless normal delivery via modern labour analgesia methods. In Bangalore, the department at Rainbow Hospitals lists several obstetricians experienced in epidural-assisted deliveries. Internationally, practitioners of labour analgesia are common in developed systems, and pioneers of neuraxial techniques include Eugen Bogdan Aburel, who in the early 20th century described continuous epidural use for labour pain relief. In the mid-20th century, Louis A. Perrotta also studied spinal anesthesia for rapid painless childbirth.

These practitioners share the underlying philosophy: pain relief without losing the mother’s ability to cooperate in pushing, so that a vaginal, physiologic birth remains possible.

How It Works, Pros & Cons

Technique (how it is done):

• Once labour is active (often when cervix dilated 3–5 cm or more), an anesthesiologist inserts an epidural catheter in the lower back, through which low-dose local anesthetics + opioids are infused.
• The drug reduces pain transmission from uterine contractions and perineal stretch, while allowing the mother to remain conscious and push when needed.
• Adjustment of dosage is possible to balance analgesia and motor function.

Pros:

1. Significant pain relief during labour; many women report > 90% pain reduction.
2. The mother remains awake and aware, able to participate in delivery decisions.
3. Less fatigue, better coping during prolonged labour.
4. Easier transition if surgical intervention (e.g. c-section) becomes necessary, since the analgesic route is already in place.
5. Reduced risk of maternal stress, hypertension surges, possibly better oxygenation for baby.

Cons / Risks:

1. Hypotension (drop in maternal blood pressure) is a known risk, needing careful monitoring.
2. In rare cases, post-dural puncture headache (if the dura is inadvertently punctured).
3. Motor blockade: legs may become weak or numb, restricting mobility.
4. A slight prolongation of the second stage (pushing phase) in some studies.
5. Need for urinary catheterization if bladder sensation is impaired.
6. Risk of infection or hematoma at epidural site (very rare).
7. Some women still feel pressure or discomfort despite analgesia.

Dr. Godbole told me she walks each patient through these risks, ensures anesthetist presence, and only proceeds when maternal and fetal parameters are stable.

Cost: Mumbai and International Estimates

In Mumbai / Thane area, Dr. Godbole charges a consultation fee (approx. ₹800, per listings) but the total cost of a painless normal delivery with epidural analgesia may vary widely depending on hospital class, facilities, and care level. As a ballpark, the epidural component (anesthesia + monitoring) might add ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 in many private maternity hospitals in India. In premium hospitals or metro areas, the total package for vaginal delivery + analgesia can go several times higher, depending on room charges, NICU backup, etc.

Internationally (for example, in the US or Western Europe), epidural labour analgesia is usually included in the obstetric fee structure; incremental cost might range from USD 500 to USD 2,000+ depending on hospital, insurance, and regional billing. (Data is variable and depends heavily on hospital billing practices).

Thus, while painless normal delivery is technically available at variable costs, access and affordability remain uneven.

Precautions & Aftercare Advice

During my interview, Dr. Godbole emphasized careful patient selection: she examines platelet count, spinal anatomy, coagulation status, maternal blood pressure, and infection risks beforehand. She declines epidurals in cases of low platelets, certain spinal deformities, local infection, or maternal refusal.

Her aftercare advice includes:

• Staying supine with tilt to avoid hypotension immediately after placement.
• Early ambulation only when sensation recovers.
• Bladder monitoring—urinary catheter removed once bladder tone returns.
• Hydration, continuous vital monitoring, and watching for signs of headache or leg weakness.
• Early mobilization (as allowed) to reduce venous thrombosis risk.
• Encouraging early breastfeeding once stable.
• Awareness of any neurologic symptoms (persistent numbness, weakness) and prompt reporting.

Dr. Godbole also said she advises mothers that an epidural is a tool, not a guarantee—some discomfort or pressure may remain, and the mother’s active participation (breathing, coaching) remains crucial.

Reflection & Recommendation

In my visit, I sensed the balance Dr. Godbole is aiming for: neither promising a pain-free fairy tale nor delivering cold statistics. Her care leans toward preserving the physiology of childbirth while offering a safety net of analgesia. For patients in the Mumbai/Thane region seeking a skilled practitioner who integrates epidural options responsibly, Dr. Aditi Godbole is among the more accessible choices.

Connect With Us

Jeevan Doctors Planet
Mobile: 77158 88289
Days: Tue/Thur/Sat
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM

Alpha Speciality Clinic
Mobile: 77158 88289
Days: Tue/Thurs/Sat
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM

Dr. Thorat’s Sanjeevan Health Care
Mobile: 77158 88289
Days: Mon/Wed/Fri
Time: 7 PM to 8 PM