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!
Ishi
Husband being there made a big difference. It’s really important..
Ishita Vora
My husband as my birthing partner made it sooo much smoother and comfortable for me.
Divya
This is a topic that needs to be discussed much more openly. Just as we raise our voices about pregnancy journeys and postpartum depression, we should also talk about the importance of having a supportive person during childbirth.
My second delivery was recently, and my baby is now 11 months old. During my first delivery, my mother was allowed to stay with me when my baby’s head became visible. Honestly, even though the pain was intense, I remember my first delivery as a positive experience because I had someone beside me who encouraged me, comforted me, and helped me handle the situation. I felt safe and supported.
But my second delivery was completely different. Mentally, I was deeply distressed. Even after delivery, I couldn’t sleep properly for an entire week. Every time I closed my eyes, the memories of what happened in that hospital ward came back and frightened me. It was an experience I struggled to process emotionally.
I keep thinking that if someone had been beside me during that difficult moment, helping me feel supported and distracting me from the fear and pain, things might have been different.
I had even asked beforehand whether someone would be allowed to accompany me, but I didn’t receive a proper response.
That’s why I feel this initiative is so important. If more people start asking questions and hospitals begin taking this need seriously, it could make a huge difference for pregnant women. Having a trusted, supportive person beside them during childbirth should be discussed openly and made accessible wherever possible.
Childbirth is already physically and emotionally challenging. No mother should have to feel alone or helpless during such a vulnerable moment. Every mother deserves to feel safe, supported, and cared for❤️
SUJANA BISWAS
A companion makes the birth pain lighter.
SUJANA BISWAS
Such relevant topic. My husband is a Seaman. He wasnt there during our child’s birth..
I missed him so much. But God gave me strength to face the delivery process.