Obstetric practices in planned home births assisted in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe obstetric practices in planned home births, assisted by qualified professionals in Brazil. METHOD: This is a descriptive study, with data collected in an online bank maintained by 49 professionals from December 2014 to November 2015, in which the target population was women and newborns assisted in home births. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 667 women and 665 newborns were included. Most of the women gave birth at home (84.4%), in a nonlithotomic position (99.1%); none underwent episiotomy; 32.3% had intact perineum; and 37.8% had first-degree lacerations, some underwent amniotomy (5.4%), oxytocin administration (0.4%), and Kristeller's maneuver (0.2%); 80.8% of the women with a previous cesarean section had home birth. The rate of transfer of parturients was 15.6%, of puerperal women was 1.9%, and of neonates 1.6%. The rate of cesarean section in the parturients that started labor at home was 9.0%. CONCLUSION: The obstetric practices taken are consistent with the scientific evidence; however, unnecessary interventions are still performed. The rates of cesarean sections and maternal and neonatal transfers are low. Home can be a place of birth option for women seeking a physiological delivery.

User embracement with risk classification in an emergency care unit: an evaluative study. / Acolhimento com classificação de risco em unidade de pronto atendimento: estudo avaliativo.

Objective Describing the evaluation of the Structure, Process and Outcome of User Embracement with Risk Classification of an Emergency Care Unit from the perspective of physicians and nurses. Method An evaluative, descriptive, quantitative study developed in Santa Catarina. Data were collected using a validated and adapted instrument consisting of 21 items distributed in the dimensions of Structure (facilities), Process (activities and relationships in providing care) and Outcome (care effects). In the analysis, descriptive statistics and the Mean Ranking and Mean Score calculations were applied. Results The sample consisted of 37 participants. From the 21 evaluated items, 11 (52.4%) had a Mean Ranking between 3 and 4, and none of them reached the maximum ranking (5 points). "Prioritization of severe cases" and "Primary care according to the severity of the case" reached a higher Mean Ranking (4.5), while "Flowchart discussion" had the lowest Ranking (2.1). The dimensions of Structure, Process and Outcome reached mean scores of 23.9, 21.9 and 25.5, respectively, indicating a Precarious evaluation (17.5 to 26.1 points). Conclusion User Embracement with Risk Classification is precarious, especially regarding the Process which obtained a lower satisfaction level from the participants.

Labor and birth care by nurse with midwifery skills in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The participation of nurses and midwives in vaginal birth care is limited in Brazil, and there are no national data regarding their involvement. The goal was to describe the participation of nurses and nurse-midwives in childbirth care in Brazil in the years 2011 and 2012, and to analyze the association between hospitals with nurses and nurse-midwives in labor and birth care and the use of good practices, and their influence in the reduction of unnecessary interventions, including cesarean sections. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a national, population-based study consisting of 23,894 postpartum women, carried out in the period between February 2011 and October 2012, in 266 healthcare settings. The study included all vaginal births involving physicians or nurses/nurse-midwives. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association between the implementation of good practices and suitable interventions during labor and birth, and whether care was a physician or a nurse/nurse-midwife led care. We developed another model to assess the association between the use of obstetric interventions during labor and birth to the personnel responsible for the care of the patient, comparing hospitals with decisions revolving exclusively around a physician to those that also included nurses/nurse-midwives as responsible for vaginal births. RESULTS: 16.2 % of vaginal births were assisted by a nurse/nurse-midwife. Good practices were significantly more frequent in those births assisted by nurses/nurse-midwives (ad lib. diet, mobility during labor, non-pharmacological means of pain relief, and use of a partograph), while some interventions were less frequently used (anesthesia, lithotomy position, uterine fundal pressure and episiotomy). In maternity wards that included a nurse/nurse-midwife in labour and birth care, the incidence of cesarean section was lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study illustrate the potential benefit of collaborative work between physicians and nurses/nurse-midwives in labor and birth care. The adoption of good practices in managing labor and birth could be the first step toward more effective obstetric and midwifery care in Brazil. It may be easier to introduce new approaches rather than to eliminate old ones, which may explain why the reduction of unnecessary interventions during labor and birth was less pronounced than the adoption of new practices.

Application of Nonpharmacologic Methods to Relieve Pain During Labor: The Point of View of Primiparous Women.

The aim of this study was to assess the application of nonpharmacologic methods to relieve pain during birthing from the point of view of primiparous women. To achieve this goal, a cross-sectional study was developed with 188 primiparous women interviewed using a standardized form on the day they were discharged from the hospital. Results indicated that the most-used nonpharmacologic method was emotional support provided by the woman's companion (97.3%), followed by warm showers (91.5%); however, the highest degree of satisfaction derived from focused attention. In the assessment of the general degree of satisfaction with the methods studied, primiparous women experienced a high level of general satisfaction (88.3%). Significant associations between this result and changes in position (p = .0340, odds ratio [OR] 3.29, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.13-9.52) and focused attention (p = .0326, OR 2.61, CI 95% 1.06-6.43) were observed. There was a significant association between the general score for satisfaction and the emotional support of an obstetrics nurse (p = .0096, OR 3.78, CI 95% 1.49-9.55), of the obstetrician (p = .0031, OR 3.74, CI 95% 1.5-9.33), and of the nurse's aide (p = .0303, OR 4.56, CI 95% 1.03-20.24). We concluded that in the obstetric center where the study was conducted, nearly all the nonpharmacologic methods available are being adopted by the members of the healthcare team, with the participation of a companion. However, those that generate the highest degree of satisfaction are not those most used.

[In vaginal and cesarean deliveries, a companion is not allowed in the room: discourses of nurses and technical directors]. / No parto vaginal e na cesariana acompanhante não entra: discursos de enfermeiras e diretores técnicos.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the reasons why health institutions from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil prevent the presence of a companion in vaginal and caesarean delivery, from the perspective of nurses and technical directors. METHOD: Exploratory-descriptive, qualitative research. A total of 12 nurses and five technical directors were interviewed from September/2011 to February/2012. The reports were analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse. RESULTS: In the central ideas of restrictions to the companion we may cite: the operating room is not the place for a companion; in the delivery room companions are not allowed to come in; the companion does not have emotional and psychological preparation; lack of participation in prenatal care hinders the entrance of the companion; if the companion does not ask, he does not come in, but if he requires, he may come in. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The companion impediment is guided by pre-conceived ideas that can negatively interfere in the organization of the birth process.

[Planned home births assisted by nurse midwives: maternal and neonatal transfers]. / Partos domiciliares planejados assistidos por enfermeiras obstétricas: transferências maternas e neonatais.

The objective of this explorative and descriptive study was to describe the rates and reasons for intrapartum transfers from home to hospital among women assisted by nurse midwives, and the outcomes of those deliveries. The sample consisted of eleven women giving birth and their newborns, from January 2005 to December 2009. Data was collected from the maternal and neonatal records and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The transfer rate was 11%, most of the women were nulliparous (63.6%), and all of them were transferred during the first stage of labor. The most common reasons for transfer were arrested cervical dilation, arrested progress of the fetal head and cephalopelvic disproportion. Apgar scores were >7 for 81.8% of the newborns; and there were no admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit. The results show that planned home births assisted by nurse midwives following a clinical protocol, had good outcomes even when a transfer to the hospital was needed.

[The production of knowledge regarding gestational hypertension in the stricto sensu graduate nursing studies in Brazil]. / A produção de conhecimento sobre hipertensão gestacional na pós-graduação stricto sensu da enfermagem brasileira.

This documental study analyzed the Brazilian production of stricto sensu nursing graduate programs related to gestational hypertension. The data source used was the Brazilian Nursing Association Theses and Dissertations Database. The survey located 14 studies produced between 1979-2008, produced mainly in the Southeast region between 1996 and2008. The analytical process revealed a concern with the subjectivity of pregnant women and with aspects regarding nursing care. Furthermore, it showed that most studies used a qualitative methodology supported by nursing theories. The experience lived by pregnant women with hypertension is marked by negative feelings and socioeconomic problems, and is also affected by how the family is organized. The culture of pregnant women with hypertension is disregarded and they receive care in a context in which the disease is the priority. In conclusion, despite some scientific advancements, this topic has not raised the interest it deserves among nurses attending graduate study programs.

Violation of the rights of the companion during hospitalization for childbirth in public maternity hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of violation of the rights of the companion during the hospitalization of the woman for childbirth. METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted in public maternity hospitals in Florianopolis between 2015 and 2016, with data from individual interview with 1.145 companions. Prevalence ratio and Pearson's chi-square test were applied in the analysis. RESULTS: Women (92.8%), who received prenatal care (93.1%) and were unaware of the companions' law (92.7%) suffered more violation of rights. Not having received written guidance (93.6%), not identifying the health professional (65.0%) and not being encouraged to participate in care (55.9%) were violated rights. Welcoming and communicating with the team were the care aspects that most violated the rights of the companion. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of violation of rights demonstrates the disrespect and the need to value companions of choice.

Information that (de)motivate women's decision making on Planned Home Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To understand how information about Planned Home Birth motivates or discourages women's decisions on this location of birth. METHOD: Descriptive exploratory study, qualitative approach. Data collection carried out from February to April 2019, through semi-structured interviews with 14 women and documentary sources. The data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis process, with the help of ATLAS.ti 8.0. RESULTS: The motivations for choosing Planned Home Birth are: respect for the autonomy and natural process of childbirth and delivery, support from a partner and trust in professionals. Aspects that discourage this choice are fear of complications, the need for a hospital medical structure, opinions that value risk. CONCLUSION: Women's choices are based not only on information, but also on how that information is processed. This study demonstrated that the perception pertaining to the safety of Planned Home Birth is essential for making this decision.

[Legal responsibilities of the nurse in obstetrical nursing]. / Responsabilidade legal do enfermeiro em obstetrícia.

The objective of this literature review is to identify how aspects related to legal responsibilities of the obstetrics nurse and the obstetrics nursing assistant have been approached in Brazilian publications. After researching the following databases for the period of 1980 to 2009; BDENF, CINAHL, LILACS, and SciELO, seven articles which dealt with judicial aspects were selected for this study. It was clear that none of these focused upon legal responsibilities for obstetrical nurses. Error prevention was highlighted among the majority of these publications, as well as civil and ethical responsibilities. However, the majority point out administrative sanctions and penal responsibilities. These aspects need to be researched in greater depth and reported upon, for they may contribute to more qualified formal education for nurses concerning the legal implications of their practice.

Puerperal women's perceptions on vertical and horizontal deliveries.

This qualitative study aims to better understand the perceptions of puerperal women regarding their experiences in vertical and horizontal deliveries and identify positive and negative aspects of each position. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten puerperal women hospitalized in the rooming-in unit of a teaching hospital. After thematic analysis - Collective Subject Discourse - positive aspects of the vertical position emerged, namely: greater comfort, freedom of movement, reduction of the expulsive effort, favors women's participation. Negative aspects were listed as discomfort and lack of obstetric intervention. Positive aspects of the horizontal position were reported as quickness, feelings of security and of being helped. Negative aspects were related to discomfort and difficulty in exerting strength. Positive aspects of the vertical position and negative aspects of the horizontal position stood out more intensely and frequently, and are in accordance with scientific evidence.

Violence against Amazon women.

This quantitative and exploratory study analyzed violence against Amazon women presented in print media according to type and severity, and whether aggressors fell under the Maria da Penha law. A total of 181 issues of a regional newspaper were consulted. Based on content analysis, 164 items addressing violence against women were selected and 46 were included in the corpus of analysis. Results were gathered in three thematic groups: women killed with cruelty, sexual violence against women regardless of age, and violence against women and the limitations of the Maria da Penha law. Violence against these women varied in terms of form and severity, including up to homicide. Women are submitted to sexual violence from childhood through adulthood. The enforcement of this law shows the community it has a means to cope with this social phenomenon.

[Obstetric care models in the Southern Region of Brazil and associated factors]. / Modelos de assistência obstétrica na Região Sul do Brasil e fatores associados.

The study sought to identify obstetric care models for low-risk pregnancies in the Southern Region of Brazil and to estimate factors associated with these models and maternal and neonatal outcomes. This is a cross-sectional, hospital-based study using data from the Birth in Brazil survey regarding puerperae and newborns. We identified 2,668 low-risk pregnant women. We carried out an exploratory analysis using the proportion of practices per hospital, among them inducing labor, presence of a companion, cesarean section and skin-to-skin contact, in order to obtain the care models we called Best Practice, Interventionist I and Interventionist II. We then carried out an inferential analysis of the associated characteristics. Results show that access to public or private funding, cultural factors and actions taken by health professional are associated with the care models. Public care had different contexts, one based on public policies and evidence-based practices; and another, that suggests the intentionality of vaginal delivery without considering humanization principles. Private care, on the other hand, is standardized and centered on the medical professional, with higher intervention levels. We conclude there is a predominance of interventionist obstetric care models in the Southern Region of Brazil, a type of care that goes against the best evidence, and that women who receive care in public hospitals have greater chances of benefiting from good practices.

Os objetivos do estudo foram identificar modelos de assistência obstétrica em gestantes de risco habitual na Região Sul do Brasil, estimar os fatores associados a esses modelos e os desfechos maternos e neonatais. Realizou-se estudo seccional a partir da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, de base hospitalar, que envolveu puérperas e recém-nascidos. Foram identificadas 2.668 gestantes de risco habitual. Procedeu-se a uma análise exploratória, com a utilização da proporção de práticas por hospital, entre elas o desencadeamento do trabalho de parto, a presença de acompanhante, a cesárea e o contato pele a pele, para a obtenção de modelos de assistência obstétrica denominados Boas Práticas, Intervencionista I e Intervencionista II. Em seguida, realizou-se uma análise inferencial das características associadas. Os resultados mostraram que o acesso ao financiamento público ou privado, os fatores culturais e a atuação dos profissionais de saúde apresentaram associações com os modelos de assistência. A assistência pública apresentou diferentes contextos: um primeiro, alicerçado em políticas públicas e na prática baseada em evidência; um segundo, baseado na intencionalidade pelo parto vaginal, sem considerar os princípios de humanização. Já a assistência privada é padronizada e centrada no profissional médico, com maiores níveis de intervenção. Conclui-se que há predomínio dos modelos de assistência obstétrica intervencionistas na Região Sul do Brasil, uma assistência na contramão das melhores evidências, e que as mulheres assistidas em hospitais públicos possuem mais chance de serem beneficiadas com as boas práticas.

Los objetivos del estudio fueron identificar modelos de asistencia obstétrica en gestantes de riesgo habitual en la región sur de Brasil, estimar los factores asociados a estos modelos y los desenlaces maternos y neonatales. Es un estudio transversal, a partir de la pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, de base hospitalaria, compuesta por puérperas y recién nacidos. Se identificaron a 2.668 gestantes de riesgo habitual. Se procedió a un análisis exploratorio utilizando la proporción de prácticas por hospital, entre ellas el desencadenamiento de la labor de parto, presencia de acompañante, cesárea y contacto piel a piel, para la obtención de modelos de asistencia obstétrica, denominados Buenas Prácticas, Intervencionista I, e Intervencionista II; seguido de un análisis inferencial de las características asociadas. Los resultados mostraron que el acceso a la financiación pública o privada, factores culturales y la actuación de los profesionales de salud presentaron asociaciones con los modelos de asistencia. La asistencia pública presentó diferentes contextos, el primero basado en políticas públicas y en la práctica fundamentada en la evidencia; y un segundo, que sugiere la intencionalidad del parto vaginal sin considerar los principios de humanización; mientras que la asistencia privada está estandarizada y centrada en el profesional médico, con mayores niveles de intervención. Se concluye que existe un predominio de los modelos de asistencia obstétrica intervencionistas en la región sur de Brasil, una asistencia a contracorriente de las mejores evidencias, así como que las mujeres asistidas en hospitales públicos tienen una mayor oportunidad de beneficiarse de las buenas prácticas.

Prevalence of spontaneous, induced labour or planned caesarean section and factors associated with caesarean section in low-risk women in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section in low-risk women; to identify the contribution of each group to the overall caesarean section rate; and to estimate factors associated with caesarean section in low-risk women according to spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section. DESIGN: Cross-sectional hospital-based study of postpartum women and newborns, using data from the survey Birth in Brazil, Southern region. In the sample of 2,668 low-risk women, a descriptive analysis was undertaken and a Multinomial Logistic Regression model was applied to verify associations among caesarean section and spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section in comparison with vaginal birth. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: The results showed the prevalence of spontaneous labour (48.0%), induced labour (14.0%) and planned caesarean sections (38.0%); these frequencies contributed to an overall caesarean section rate of 50.5%. Obstetric characteristics like previous vaginal birth or previous caesarean section were differentially associated with caesarean section, independently of the labour. Caesarean section without labour was significantly associated with age ≥ 35 years (ORadj 5.45 95%CI 3.16-9.39), economic class A and B (ORadj 3.10 95%CI 1.92-4.99), pregnancy between 37 and 38 weeks (ORadj 1.65 95%CI 1.22-2.24), same obstetrician in prenatal and childbirth (ORadj 13.83 95%CI 8.85-21.61) and private payment source at birth (ORadj 11.50 95%CI 6.64-19.93). KEY CONCLUSION: For low-risk women in Southern Brazil, the results identify high planned caesarean section rates, not associated with socioeconomic, obstetric, institutional or prenatal factors that justify these rates.

[Using quantitative and qualitative approaches in knowledge production]. / Utilizando as abordagens quantitativa e qualitativa na produção do conhecimento.

The debate over the differences between quantitative and qualitative methods is frequent, holding favorable and opposite positions concerning their integration. Outlining a research that contemplates both approaches generates doubts and restlessness about how to use them without damaging the methods' rigor, specificity, as well as the methodological and reflective sophistication of each. The purpose isto report and discuss using the quantitative (randomized controlled clinical trial) and the qualitative approach to analyze and understand the practice of including a companion chosen by the woman during her labor and childbirth, performing the role of support provider. Using both methods allowed for approximating the multiple facets involved in this practice and evaluating both the explicative dimension and the comprehension, since it could be performed with complementary views.

Institutional violence during the parturition process in Brazil: integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the types of institutional violence of childbirth reported by the woman, the birth companion and health professionals. METHOD: Integrative review that analyzed 33 articles in the LILACS, BDENF, INDEXPSI, regional SciELO, Scopus, Web Of Science and PubMed databases. RESULTS: Women were the main violence rapporteur, with predominance of the psychological type. Precarious infrastructure and the imposition of professional decisions were identified by the companion as violence. For health professionals, performing procedures without consent does not characterize violence, but guarantees childbirth security. Final considerations: The most common types of violence in Brazilian maternity hospitals are psychological, physical and structural. Most of the time, violence is reported by women, although professionals also perceive and admit its perpetuation.

Support actions undertaken for the woman by companions in public maternity hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the support actions undertaken for the woman during labor, birth, cesarean section and the postpartum period. METHOD: a transversal study, undertaken in three public maternity hospitals, with a sample of 1,147 companions. The data were collected through interviews and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The support actions were classified in four dimensions: emotional, physical, informational and relating to intermediation. RESULTS: the majority of interviewees were the partner/father of the baby (76.7%). In labor, birth and the postpartum period, the actions of emotional support - such as calming, encouraging and praising, were performed by more than 80.0% of the companions; informational support, by approximately 70.0%; and intermediation by fewer than 65.0% of them. In childbirth, the emphasis on physical support was observed in assisting with walking (84.4%), and in changing position (90.4%). CONCLUSION: the companions participate actively in the birth process, performing actions of support in the four dimensions. Emotional support is the most frequent, followed by physical and informational support, mainly during labor and birth. The results contribute to valuing the companion from the woman's social network in the birth scenario and to the recognition of his/her role as a provider of support.

Nascer no Brasil: the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in delivery care in the South region of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To analyze if the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in the delivery care in the South region of Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of the longitudinal study Nascer no Brasil. We analyzed data from 2,070 women from the South region of Brazil who went into labor. The data were collected between February and August 2011, by interviews and medical records. We performed a bivariate and multivariate analysis, calculating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS Most women had a companion during labor (51.7%), but few remained during delivery (39.4%) or cesarean section (34.8%). Less than half of the women had access to several recommended practices, while non-recommended practices continue to be performed. In the model adjusted for age, education level, source of payment for the delivery, parity, and score of the Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes, the presence of a companion was statistically associated with a greater supply of liquids and food (aPR = 1.34), dietary prescription (aPR = 1.34), use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (aPR = 1.37), amniotomy (aPR = 1.10), epidural or spinal analgesia (aPR = 1.84), adoption of non-lithotomy position in the delivery (aPR = 1.77), stay in the same room during labor, delivery, and postpartum (aPR = 1.62), skin-to-skin contact in the delivery (aPR = 1.81) and cesarean section (PR = 2.43), as well as reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (aPR = 0.67), trichotomy (aPR = 0.59), and enema (aPR = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the South region of Brazil, most women do not have access to the best practices in addition to undergoing several unnecessary interventions. The presence of a companion is associated with several beneficial practices and the reduction in some interventions, although other interventions are not impacted.

Efficacy of an educational manual for childbirth companions: pilot study of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational manual in the instrumentalization of companions to provide support to the parturients and check its influence on the satisfaction of companions and women during vaginal delivery. METHOD: pilot study of a randomized controlled clinical trial with 65 companions and puerperal women (intervention = 21 and control = 44). The previous knowledge of the companions was evaluated at baseline. The Evaluation Form for Companions in the Delivery Room was used to measure the actions provided and the satisfaction with the experience, and the Questionnaire for Evaluation of the Experience and Satisfaction of Puerperal Women with Labor and Delivery was used to evaluate the satisfaction of women with childbirth. The Student's t-test or Wilcoxon, chi-square or Fisher's exact test, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used. RESULTS: the companions in the intervention group performed a greater number of support actions (7.2 vs 4.6, p: 0.001) and had higher satisfaction scores (72.4 vs 64.2; p = 0.00). Puerperal women in the intervention group had higher satisfaction with childbirth (119.6 vs 107.9; p: 0.000). CONCLUSION: the manual was effective for the instrumentalization of companions, contributed to support actions to the parturients and had repercussions on the satisfaction of companions and women with the birthing process. RBR-776d9s.

[Support during childbirth: perception of health care providers and companions chosen by women]. / Apoio no nascimento: percepções de profissionais e acompanhantes escolhidos pela mulher.

OBJECTIVE: To understand health care providers' perception on managing laboring women in the presence of a labor companion of their choice, and the labor companion's perception of this experience. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted based on a controlled randomized clinical trial. Sampling was intentional and determined through information saturation. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 health care providers and 16 laboring companions in the obstetric unit of a maternity facility at the hospital complex, in Campinas, Southern Brazil, between October 2004 and March 2005. The thematic analysis of discourse was applied using the following methodological figures: central idea, key expressions and discourse of the collective subject. RESULTS: The most remarkable central ideas of health care providers were: no difference was observed in managing laboring women with a labor companion; positive changes were noted in labor management when a labor companion was present; the companion provided emotional support to laboring women who were more pleased, and felt safer and peaceful; many positive aspects were seen in the behavior and involvement of laboring women with a labor companion; the companion caused no problems and encouraged health providers to engage in a more humane and less routine attitude. The main central ideas of labor companions were: positive feelings, emotions, a sense of satisfaction with the experience; being with the laboring woman was a great opportunity to provide her emotional support; and they felt welcome by health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: Health providers considered positive the support provided by a labor companion and had no problems in managing laboring women in the presence of their companions. Labor companions were pleased and happy with this experience. There was no conflicting opinions.