Health Ministry has taken a significant decision to allow birth companions during delivery in public health facilities. An official release said, the decision aimed at reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio and Infant Mortality Rate. <br/><br/>Birth companions are women who have experienced the process of labour and provide continuous one to one support to other women experiencing labour and child birth. It said, the presence of a female relative during labour is a low cost intervention that has proved to be beneficial to the women in labour. <br/><br/>Birth companions provide emotional support, information about labour progress and advice regarding coping techniques, comfort measures and advocacy.<br/><br/>The Ministry said, World Health Organization promotes labour companionship as a core element of care for improving maternal and infant health. The regional plan of action for maternal and neonatal health care includes the monitoring of maternal and foetal well-being, and encourages the presence of a companion to provide support during labour.