Reasons for Women’s Autonomous Actions in the Childbirth Process: An Understanding Based on Social Phenomenology

Abstract

Objective: to describe women’s autonomous actions during childbirth and to understand their reasons. Method: qualitative research designed through social phenomenology premises. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 15 postpartum women hospitalized at a hospital’s rooming-in setting in the south of Brazil, from September to December 2017. For the analysis, the principles of the adopted framework were followed, associated with productions related to the object of study. Results: autonomous actions were developed from the time of pregnancy and during childbirth, and their reasons derived from their previous experiences. Such experiences were signified by the fear of what they had heard or because in previous births they had experienced pain, complications and unwanted interventions; due to the bond with companions and their experience with labor and delivery. Conclusion: the reasons for women’s autonomous actions in the childbirth process are sustained on their biographical situation, set of knowledge and social relations.