The Hospital Maternity Our Lady of La Altagracia officially announced that it will allow the presence of companions during labor, a decision that seeks to strengthen respect for the mother’s rights and ensure the well-being of the newborn in Santo Domingo.
The director of the center, Dr. Henry Mesa, explained that this measure promotes the active participation of the family in the birth process, transforming the traditional labor experience in the institution.
Benefits of having companions during labor
The inclusion of companions during labor is not just a gesture of comfort; it is aligned with medical evidence that demonstrates that continuous support reduces the need for analgesia and favors spontaneous vaginal births. Clinical studies confirm that the presence of a trusted person shortens the duration of the process and improves the conditions of the newborn.
- Reduction of medication and analgesia use
- Shorter and less invasive births
- Greater emotional comfort for the mother
- Improved labor process in general
Legal framework and companions during labor
This decision is framed in the Law 156-2006 of the Dominican Republic, which explicitly establishes the woman’s right to be accompanied by the person of her choice during labor, birth, and postpartum, including cesarean procedures when medically permitted.
Rules for companions during labor
The companions during labor must comply with the standards established by the hospital institution, as long as these are consistent with the law. The presence of the companion cannot interfere with the medical decisions of the healthcare professionals responsible for the birth.
The mother also has the right to NOT be accompanied if she desires, respecting her autonomy in the decision.
With this measure, Maternity La Altagracia positions itself as a reference in humanized birth in the Dominican Republic, guaranteeing that companions during labor are a reality accessible to all mothers.
The implementation of companions during labor reinforces the institution’s commitment to maternal and neonatal health, ensuring that every family can actively participate in one of the most important moments of their lives.
