Uso de práticas integrativas e complementares por doulas em maternidades de Fortaleza (CE) e Campinas (SP)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP) applied by doulas in the cities of Fortaleza (CE) and Campinas (SP). This is a qualitative study encompassing fifteen doulas: nine from Fortaleza and six from Campinas. The data were collected in the second half of 2010 by conducting semi-structured and pre-organized interviews following the procedures of thematic content analysis. The interpretations of the results were based on the idea that institutionalization of knowledge and practices happen through the conformation of nuclei and fields. The nucleus demarcates the identity of an area of knowledge and the professionals' practices, and the field demarcates the blurred limits among disciplines that can be submitted to conflicts. We observed that the support offered by doulas permeates a variety of practices framed in traditional medicine as well as in complementary and alternative medicine. ICP was associated with decreases in length of labor, superior pain management, ability of making decision and empowering of women. It is understood that the range of activities offered by doulas and the use of ICP converge to the uniqueness, respect and autonomy of women. Furthermore, it proposes a new model of awareness and practices centered on the importance of the natural process of childbirth.

Funcionalidade do apoio à família da criança com pneumonia

“…A study reveals that the difficulty of access to appointments, waiting times, the shortage of professionals, the difficulty of identifying them, and their unfriendly and disrespectful approach are aspects pointed out by the family as barriers to bonding (20) , difficulties that are present in the speeches of the families of this research. Another point mentioned in the literature and which corroborates the findings of this study is the geographical question between the health service and the home, which makes access difficult (20) . This difficulty of access goes through the referral and professional embracement, directing also to the public transportation pointed out as an obstacle by the families researched in the search for services beyond the attached territory.…”

“…The relationships established with the health system, although problematic and fragmented, are identified as a source of support for the child's care (20) . Understanding what happens to the child during their illness empowers the family to perform the daily care.…”

O cuidado prestado por doulas em uma maternidade p�blica: o olhar das pu�rperas

“…Essas dificuldades evidenciadas no campo de atuação da doula estão relacionadas à falta de conhecimento, não só dos profissionais, mas também das parturientes e familiares, sobre o trabalho da doula, resultando na desvalorização da tarefa realizada por elas. Alguns estudos apontam, ainda, o receio e ideias preconcebidas negativas que os profissionais de saúde têm com relação à presença de acompanhante no contexto do nascimento (18) .…”

O ethos e o pathos na sala de parto

“…There is an emerging need to build more democratic practices and to establish social identities for the professions and fields of knowledge (17) .…”

“…This way of acting is influenced by specific knowledge, due to the social-historical setting, the hegemonic paradigm of science, and the professional and institutional culture (17) .…”