A study to assess the effect of female birth companion on labouring mothers

Abstract

Background: Continuous labor support from a trusted companion has long been associated with improved maternal satisfaction and birth outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorse allowing a companion of choice during childbirth as part of respectful maternity care¹². However, in many Indian hospitals, companion presence is underutilized due to infrastructural and cultural constraints.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a female birth companion on maternal outcomes—pain, anxiety, duration of labor, use of oxytocics and analgesics, and mode of delivery—among women in a service hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methods: A quantitative comparative study was conducted among 60 parturient women: 30 accompanied by a female birth companion (intervention group) and 30 without a companion (control group). Tools included a demographic proforma, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (0–10), Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a structured observation checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at p< 0.05.
Results: The mean duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter in the companion group (6.1 ± 1.3 hours) compared to the control group (8.2 ± 1.6 hours). Pain and anxiety scores were significantly lower in the companion group (4.2 ± 1.1 vs. 6.7 ± 1.4; 38.5 ± 4.8 vs. 45.7 ± 5.2 respectively, p< 0.001). Normal vaginal delivery rates were higher among women with companions (86.7%) than those without (63.3%). Mothers with companions reported higher satisfaction with their childbirth experience.
Conclusions: A female birth companion during the first stage of labor improves maternal outcomes and satisfaction. Integrating companionship into standard intrapartum care enhances both clinical quality and emotional well-being.

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