Presence of birth companion-a deterrent to disrespectful behaviours towards women during delivery: an exploratory mixed-method study in 18 public hospitals of India.

Birthing women require support, particularly emotional support, during the process of labour and delivery. Traditionally, across cultures, this support was made available by the continuous presence of a companion during labour, childbirth and the immediate post-partum period. However, this practice is not universal, especially in health facilities in low- and middle-income countries.