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!
Kavitha
Great initiative by HOZ to provide information through its articles
Garima Rastogi
Such an important conversation. Birth is not just about bringing a baby into the world; it is also about how a mother feels, how supported she is, and the memories she carries with her. A doula’s presence can make such a difference by offering reassurance, comfort and confidence when a woman needs it most. Every mother deserves to feel heard, respected and never alone during this beautiful yet vulnerable journey. Kudos to Dr. Sneha Shah and HOZ for highlighting something so meaningful.
Garima Rastogi
A mother may be the one giving birth, but she should never have to feel alone in that journey. Sometimes, a comforting hand, a reassuring voice and someone whispering “You’ve got this!” can mean more than a thousand words. Childbirth isn’t just about bringing a baby into the world it’s also about nurturing the woman who is becoming a mother. Loved how this blog shines a light on the beautiful power of companionship, compassion and care. Kudos to House of Zelena for giving such meaningful conversations the spotlight they deserve 💕
Garima Rastogi
Such a beautiful and meaningful read. A birth companion does so much more than support a mother during childbirth; she becomes her pillar of strength, comfort, and reassurance during one of life’s most vulnerable and transformative moments. Every mother deserves to feel heard, safe, empowered, and deeply cared for. Thank you, House of Zelena, and Dr. Sneha Shah, for highlighting the power of compassionate birth support.
Bhuvi Visu
Every mom deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard during childbirth. ❤️ Having someone we trust by our side can make such a difference during one of the most emotional moments of our lives. I wish every mother had the choice to have a birth companion and feel supported throughout her birthing journey. 🥹💕