Scoping review assesses emotional support's impact during labor, enhancing women's birthing experiences.
Background:The presence of an empathic person who provides counsel, information, comfort measures, and other practical aids to help a woman manage the stress of labor and delivery has been defined as support during labor.A comprehensive scoping review was carried out to investigate the experiences of women, companions, and midwives regarding birth companion support, aiming to enhance the overall birthing experience.Methodology: The review involved 15 articles selected on the basis of inclusion criteria.A summary of quantitative data with a thematic analysis of qualitative data through narrative synthesis was subsequently integrated.Results: Individuals skilled in providing labor companionship expressed a sense of commitment to the process, the ability to help women maintain focus internally, and a defined role in offering emotional or physical support to the mother.However, staff members' emphasis on their sexuality and the absence of recognition in language and processes presented partners with obstacles to inclusion.Enhancing the roles of birth companions as guardians, coaches, and co-parents, providing them with timely information, and establishing a trusting relationship with caregivers are all strategies to enhance their experience.The perspectives of midwives on labor companions were limited, as only two publications addressed their opinions. Conclusion:When partners are able to feel supported and are recognized as co-parents, it makes both women and their companions happier during childbirth.In order to optimize the experience of birth companions and their capacity to provide appropriate support, midwives are essential in offering information and direction.
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Bhalerao et al. (2026) studied this question.
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