Abstract

PINHEIRO, Bruna Cardoso  and  BITTAR, Cléria Maria Lobo. Perceptions, expectations and knowledge about the normal delivery: experience reports of mothers and health professionals. Aletheia [online]. 2012, n.37, pp. 212-227. ISSN 1413-0394.

This study investigated the perceptions, expectations and knowledge of puerperal in regarding the experience of natural childbirth, as well as the procedures used by health professionals for the humanizing delivery. We interviewed 31 puerperal who gave birth by vaginal delivery in a public hospital in Franca. A questionnaire was also applied to 20 health professionals who worked in the obstetric ward of that hospital. The method of data analysis followed the guidelines of Analysis of Discourse. The experience of childbirth was perceived by most women as extremely painful and distressful, offset, however, by the attention, support and affection received from some professionals and caregivers who contributed to a satisfactory view of natural childbirth. Among the professionals was evident the difficulty in conceptualizing about humanizing delivery. It was noted the importance of focus, especially the relational aspect, basis for a truly humane practice.

Keywords : Humanizing; Natural childbirth; Health promotion.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )