Publication:

The impact of birth companion on respectful maternity care and labor outcomes among primigravida in a rural tertiary care centre: a quasi-experimental study

Background Respectful maternity care (RMC) and continuous labor support are essential components of quality intrapartum care. Although the World Health Organization recommends allowing a companion of choice during childbirth, this practice remains underutilized in many resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the impact of a birth companion on RMC perceptions and labor outcomes among primigravida women in a rural tertiary care centre.

Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RL Jalappa Hospital, Kolar, during January 2026 – March 2026. Ninety-six primigravida women were enrolled and allocated into a study group (n=48), who received continuous support from a female birth companion, and a control group (n=48), who received standard intrapartum care. Data were collected using validated RMC, childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ), and maternal satisfaction scales. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results The study group demonstrated significantly higher RMC scores (42.56±4.12 versus 34.23±5.87), CEQ scores (3.74±0.42 versus 2.89±0.51), and maternal satisfaction scores (41.62±3.84 versus 32.48±5.36) (all p<0.001). Normal vaginal delivery was more frequent in the study group (81.25% versus 62.50%; p=0.042), while cesarean section rates were lower (12.50% versus 29.17%; p=0.049). Active labor duration was significantly shorter (5.82±1.34 versus 7.46±1.72 hours; p<0.001). Neonatal outcomes were similar between groups.

Conclusion Birth companion support significantly improved RMC perceptions, childbirth experience, maternal satisfaction, and labor outcomes. Integrating birth companion programs into rural tertiary care settings may be a cost-effective strategy to enhance the quality of maternal care.