This mixed-method study conducted in 18 tertiary public hospitals across India highlights the limited presence of birth companions during labour and childbirth, with less than half of birthing women observed being accompanied. Despite strong evidence that birth companionship can significantly reduce instances of disrespect and abuse (D&A) and improve maternal experiences, institutional barriers such as lack of policy, overcrowding, space constraints, and privacy concerns hinder its implementation. Healthcare providers widely acknowledged the value of birth companions in offering emotional support and easing their workload. The study suggests that birth companions can be a low-cost, effective strategy to promote RMC.

This case study at Government Medical College, Aurangabad presented by Dr. Rupali Gaikwad, Associate Professor, GMCH during the June ARMCC Members' Meeting offers a ground-level view of how Respectful Maternity Care can be institutionalized in resource-constrained, high-pressure settings in the public health system. Drawing from the experience of a public tertiary hospital managing over 19,000 deliveries per year, the presentation covers the Introduction of birth companions, Facilitation of alternate birthing positions and Practical integration of woman-centered care approaches It captures the tangible change possible through committed leadership, small shifts in practice, and staff sensitization—even in highly burdened health systems

This presentation by Dr. Siri Yerubandi, Consultant Obstetrician, Fernandez Foundation, India at the June ARMCC Members' Meeting highlights an institutional RMC training model designed and implemented at Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad. Co-created with C3, the model is built on the principles of dignity, empathy, and institutional ownership, targeting doctors and nurses working in labor wards. It showcases scenario-based learning, reflective group discussions and knowledge assessments The initiative is a practical example of how structured internal efforts can drive shifts in mindsets, communication, and care quality.

Mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities was cited as to play a key role in poor perinatal mental health in this paper. Read More...

A publication by WHO in 2019 of a four country study of mistreatment in childbirth that added to the global evidence base about validated tools to measure mistreatment during childbirth as well as the frequency of mistreatment during facility-based childbirth in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar, and Nigeria. Read More...

This article seeks to address the gap in evidence on quality of care and respectful care for newborns (and families of stillborn infants) around the time of birth. Starting with the seven categories developed for respectful care for women, the author found newborn evidence for six of the categories. Two new categories were also identified on accountability and bereavement care. Read More...

This publication by the World Health Organization (WHO) offers a mixed-methods systematic review of the literature on the mistreatment in childbirth in seven core mistreatment themes. Read More...

Birth companion (BC) has been globally recognised as an essential component of childbirth care. As our institution did not allow BC in labour, this study was planned as a quality improvement (QI) project to introduce the concept. We aimed to achieve birth companionship from existing 0 to 100% over a period of six months.