At House of Zelena, we often get to meet incredible experts who are shaping how mothers experience pregnancy, birth, and beyond. This week, we had the pleasure of talking to Dr. Sneha Shah a Bengaluru based physiotherapist with over 16 years of experience, childbirth educator, doula, and co-founder of Karnataka’s first midwifery-led birth center. Her life’s work has been dedicated to supporting women from puberty to menopause, with a special focus on pregnancy and childbirth. Dr Sneha believes that birth is not just a medical event, but a natural, powerful journey that deserves compassion, respect, and emotional support.
And she shared something with us that really made us pause and reflect. Read on!
A Heartfelt Request from a Couple
Last week, a couple reached out to her with a heartfelt request: “Will you be our birth partner, Sneha? We want you by our side when our baby is born.”Her heart wanted to say yes. But she couldn’t. The hospital policy didn’t allow any outside support person to be with the mother.
Why Are Birth Companions Still Not Allowed?
And that raises a very important question—Why? Dr Sneha says, “This isn’t just about doulas. It’s about every woman’s right to feel safe, supported, and seen during labor. The LaQshya guidelines from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare clearly state the value of having a birth companion. In fact, research shows that when a companion is allowed:
What the Research Tells Us
- Counseling rates shoot up (55–97% vs. 34–66%)
- Women report less anxiety and more confidence
- Maternal satisfaction rises
- Birth outcomes improve overall
Birth is More Than Just Clinical Care
Yet, many hospitals still deny this choice! Birth is not only clinical—it’s emotional, human, and life-changing. Every woman deserves to have someone she trusts by her side, whether that’s a partner, mother, or doula.
Questions Every Mother Should Reflect On
- So let’s ask ourselves
- Did you feel respected during your labor?
- Were your choices heard and honored?
Because one truth stands strong: support during childbirth isn’t a privilege, it’s a necessity!"
Summary
After listening to Dr Sneha’s thoughts we felt it should reach our community as well! Moms, we’d love to know—what do you think about this? Did you have a birth companion with you? Do you wish you had? Share your story in the comments and let’s start a conversation that can inspire real change!
Shreeya
Such important topic. I was pleading for my husband to be in delivery room and didn’t get allowed. I felt so alone and so afraid. Please we need to allow partners in the room..