Support mothers during childbirth: Guideline

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Oct. 16: Ministry of Health and Food Safety has introduced a new provision to prioritise mothers’ privacy and dignity during childbirth while ensuring that they can be accompanied by a family member of their choice during labour. 

Under the Maternal and Child-Friendly Health Institution Programme Operation Guideline, 2026, mothers giving birth at health institutions will no longer have to endure the pain of labour alone, as they will be allowed to have a companion of their choice in the labour room. 

Until now, there has been no provision for allowing an attendant in the labour room. Women have had to endure hours of labour pain alone, even during prolonged labour, without the support of a companion.