Purpose:

This study assesses the knowledge and practice of birth companionship among mothers and midwives in Bangladesh during facility-based deliveries. It also explores the barriers that prevent midwives from ensuring birth companionship in hospitals, while highlighting how Midwife-Led Care Centers (MLCCs) allow and support it.

Discussion:

Since its introduction in 2013, midwifery has emerged as a professional cadre in Bangladesh, with 8,745 registered midwives currently working in public and private sectors. Despite this growth, there remains a shortage of midwives and a lack of systemic support for the midwifery model of care, particularly in hospitals.This study examined 15 government and private facilities across Bangladesh, interviewing 100 mothers and 50 midwives. Findings reveal a strong desire among mothers to have a familiar companion present during labor. However, in most hospitals, institutional restrictions—such as lack of privacy, inadequate infrastructure, and rigid policies—hinder this practice. Midwives are aware of the benefits of companionship and support the right, yet face limitations in Institutional policies, lack of privacy, limited staff capacity in enforcing it within hospital settings. In contrast, MLCCs empower midwives with greater autonomy, where allowing birth companionship is a routine practice.

Evidence:

• Participants: 100 mothers, 50 midwives across 15 facilities
• Findings:89% of mothers desired a birth companion, 76% of midwives supported the practice but felt restricted and MLCCs allowed companionship in 92% of cases

Key Message:

Empowering midwives and aligning hospital policies with the midwifery model of care are essential to ensure birth companionship.

Jannatul Ferdoues Mitu is a Nursing and Midwifery education professional with over 14 years of experience in clinical practice and academic teaching. She holds a degree in Nursing, along with postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Social Work and Sexual, Reproductive & Perinatal Health. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to strengthening Nursing and Midwifery education through quality teaching, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and academic quality assurance.Her areas of expertise include curriculum design, lesson planning, module development, faculty development training, academic quality assurance, report and proposal writing, and monitoring educational sites to support the effective implementation of academic programs. She has also collaborated with national and international partners, delegates, and stakeholders to advance educational initiatives and foster meaningful partnerships.Passionate about improving the quality of Nursing and Midwifery education, Jannatul is committed to innovative teaching, capacity building, and collaboration. She welcomes opportunities to connect with educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and organizations working to advance health professions education and strengthen the healthcare workforce.