From global recommendations to (in)action: A scoping review of the coverage of companion of choice for women during labour and birth

Abstract

Women greatly value and benefit from the presence of someone they trust to support them throughout labour and childbirth (‘labour companion of choice’). Labour companionship improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, including enhancing physiological labour and birth experiences. Despite clear benefits, implementation is slow. We conducted a scoping review to assess coverage and models of labour companionship, including quantitative studies reporting coverage of labour companionship in any level health facility globally. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Health from 1 January 2010–14 December 2021. We extracted data on study design, labour companionship coverage, timing and type of comp..