1. Introduction
deaths, birth companions, anxiety, stillbirths
The study aimed to assess the effect of midwife-provided orientation of birth companions on maternal anxiety and coping during labor. A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design was conducted among 475 participants (control Improving the quality of care around the time of birth has been acknowledged as the most impactful strategy for reducing stillbirths and maternal and newborn deaths [Labor companionship, like other non-clinical interventions, has not been regarded as a priority in many settings, yet it is an essential component of the experience of care [Presently, women in Uganda are allowed to have a companion of choice during labor. These companions, however, neither receive an orientation nor have defined roles and responsibilities. It is acknowledged that actively involving family members in the process of labor ensures ownership and engagement [There is low-quality evidence on the effect of continuous labor support in low-income settings. Additionally, it is still unknown whether training impacts the effectiveness of continuous labor support [