“It shows that I belong”: a qualitative study assessing birth companionship of choice in a maternity clinic in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Findings suggest that birth companionship of choice is a key component of a positive birth experience, improving perceived quality of care and potentially increasing the number of women giving birth in facilities. It also presents many advantages and challenges for healthcare workers. The presence of a birth companion inside the labor ward increases appreciation for facility-based care and potentially alleviates mistrust between the healthcare system and the community.