Nursing care in postpartum adaptation: perceptions of Brazilian mothers

Abstract

Background: Women’s health is a topic which is being focused on by public health policies in Brazil; discussions are increasingly expanding and receiving special attention. There are numerous campaigns and actions developed on the importance of preventive screening before birth as well as humanization of childbirth and breastfeeding. Objective: to identify the needs of mothers regarding postpartum nursing care.

Method: Qualitative research Convergent Care type held with mothers in a city of Santa Catarina - Brazil. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews took place during October 2012.

Results: Postpartum is an important moment on women life. Women’s need adapt in the new conditions as mother and describes some experiences and difficulties such feel physically tired, have pain, difficulties to breastfeeding, problems to conciliate work and newborn. The participants related that received more physicians’ assistance than nurse assistance.

Conclusion: Puerperium causes sudden changes in women’s lives; the transition from being pregnant to being a mother is sometimes a difficult period, which demands maternal adaptation, requiring physical and emotional balance. It is important that nurses are aware of the difficulties and needs of these women, in order to provide qualified midwifery attention.