Naturólogas perceptions aboutpregnancy, birth and puerperium

Abstract

This article is an exploratory/descriptive qualitative approach, which aimed to understand the perceptions and practices of professional doulas/naturólogas, about pregnancy and child birth. The research was done through interviews with eight professionals working in differents Brazilian states, such as doula and naturóloga. From the interviews, four cores of meaning emerged: the motivations naturólogas/doulas, - understanding of pregnancy, child birth and puerperium – medicalization of birth, and - doula/naturóloga professional practice. The analysis revealed that these professionals lead their assistance to pregnant women and postpartum women in a humane way, having as main characteristic the integrated and individualized care. Promote health and autonomy for women and their families, hence the health of the new born. Also note worthy is that the study participants stimulate symbolic, energetic and spiritual care at this stage of the sexual and reproductive cycle. They use as tools, natural resources, promoting balance effects in the women, helping to reduce the discomforts of pregnancy - puerperal cycle, in a subtle way, reducing the risks of violence obstetric.