Six years ago, I was waiting on news. I was worried. My daughter Yeni was having her baby boy Diego and it was the first few months of Covid. I could not

Six years ago, I found myself waiting by the phone, heart tight with worry. My daughter Yeni was in labor with her baby boy, Diego, and the world had just shut down under the weight of Covid. I couldn’t travel to Guatemala. I couldn’t sit beside her. I couldn’t hold her hand. The guilt of not being there for my daughter in such a vulnerable moment was overwhelming.

Hours later, the message finally came: baby Diego had arrived safely by cesarean, and both mamá and baby were doing well. Relief washed over me. Gratitude, too—gratitude that my daughter received the care she needed and that our sweet Diego entered the world healthy.

What I didn’t know then was that even without Covid, I still wouldn’t have been allowed to be with her. In Guatemala’s public hospitals, no one—not even the father—is permitted in the labor room. Learning this later stunned me. This outdated approach to childbirth leaves women to labor alone, without the emotional support every mother deserves.

During a recent trip to Honduras, I learned the policy is the same there. Our guide’s wife gave birth while we were visiting. He was allowed only a brief visit and couldn’t be present to comfort her or help with the baby. Hearing that broke my heart for her, and for so many women around the world who face childbirth without a support person by their side.

It makes me wonder: how many other countries still enforce these strict, no‑support policies for laboring mothers? And how can we advocate for more compassionate, family-centered care everywhere?

go to her. She would be alone. I felt so guilty not being there.  I finally heard that both baby Diego and mamá were doing fine after a cesarian birth. I am so thankful that our Diego was born healthy and my daughter was able to get the medical attention she needed. 

What I didn't know at the time is that even if it wasn't in times of Covid, I would not have been allowed to go in the the public hospital with her in Guatemala. As a matter of fact, not even the father can in to the labor room. This outdated system and treatment of mothers makes me nervous for women in many countries. When I was recently in Honduras, our guide's wife had her baby and the policy was the same. He was able to go see her for a few minutes but could not be there to help her with the baby or support her while she labored. 

What other countries hold these strict no support system for laboring mothers policies?

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