Strategies for Implementing Birth Companion Support During Labour: A Scoping Review

Birth companion support has been globally recognised as an essential component of childbirth care for decades. The benefits of birth companion support care include providing the pregnant woman with continuous emotional and physical support, thereby promoting positive childbirth experiences. Despite the numerous benefits of birth companion support care and the availability of policies to support this intervention, its implementation remains challenging.

This study aimed to “map the evidence” and “identify gaps” in implementation strategies for birth companion support.

This scoping review adhered to the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, which comprised (i) developing the research question, (ii) identifying applicable studies, (iii) choosing studies, (iv) charting data, and (v) compiling, summarizing, and reporting findings. The databases utilized were PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science. The findings of the review were analysed using thematic analysis.

This scoping review encompassed 14 studies, and the results were divided into two main sections. Section A included identified implementation strategies covering the following themes: Models for implementing birth companion support, Development of programs for implementing birth companion support, and Task shifting. Section B entailed factors affecting the implementation of birth companion support, which are facilitators and barriers to the implementation of birth companion support.

Continuous in-service training and workshops given to the target groups of health care professionals on the benefits of birth companion care and the roles of the companions will raise awareness and guarantee the implementation of birth companion support care during labour and childbirth. The significance of this practice lies in its ability to enhance a positive childbirth experience, which is essential for high-quality care.

The evaluated studies were conducted in nations with high, moderate, and low incomes. There was less evidence of a birth companion care implementation study conducted in South Africa. The findings of this study will assist in creating awareness and readiness for implementing birth companion support care in clinical practice.