Kathmandu, Aug. 5 -- When Garima discovered she was pregnant for the first time, she was thrilled at the prospect of welcoming her baby into the world. As her due date neared, she had made final arrangements for her mother to travel all the way from Jhapa to be with her and help out with the new baby. But when she gave birth at Paropakar Maternity Hospital in Kathmandu on June 10, except for her husband, there wasn't anyone to welcome her baby boy.

"My mother couldn't visit us in Kathmandu due to Covid-19 and I feel like I am missing out on a lot of the initial support after birth," said 22-year-old Garima, who asked to be identified by her first name only. "At times, I burst into tears because it becomes overwhelming to navigate having ...