Nepal introduces new guidelines to protect mothers’ privacy during childbirth
Summary
Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has introduced new guidelines to protect mothers’ privacy and dignity during childbirth at health facilities. The provisions require curtains or partitions, allow a family member during labour, and emphasize early breastfeeding and postnatal support.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has issued new operating guidelines for the Mother and Child-Friendly Health Facility Programme.
- Health facilities must use curtains or partitions to protect mothers’ privacy and dignity during delivery, even in shared rooms.
- The guidelines allow a chosen family member to be present during labour and stress keeping newborns with mothers and starting breastfeeding early.
- Facilities must also assign a contact person to provide counselling and support to mothers and newborns after discharge.
