Respectful Maternity Care Practices During Normal Delivery at the Public Health Facilities in Tamil Nadu, Southern India: A Descriptive Study.

Introduction: The quality of maternity care in Tamil Nadu has significantly improved in the past few years and various public health initiatives have helped to reduce crucial indicators like Maternal Mortality Ratio and Infant Mortality Rate. The improvement in quality of interface between the mothers and service providers in term of language, behaviour and attitude for ensuring 'Respectful Maternity Care' would support further enhancement of maternal and new born outcomes. Delivery of appropriate and respectful care to each pregnant woman would not only go a long way in reducing mortality and morbidity for the woman and new-born but also help in improved cognitive development of the baby.