PUERPERIUM AND ITS SOCIOCULTURAL DIMENSION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN LIVING IN MANGUINHOS – RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: puerperium, also known as postpartum confinement, is defined as a period of forty days after childbirth and is a phase of intense biological, psychological and social changes in women’s life. The practice of whole healthcare of puerperas involves understanding their beliefs to live this moment. Objective: to represent the senses and meanings of beliefs, prescriptions and interdictions during puerperium of women living in vulnerable social urban conditions. Methods: it was a qualitative study, based on an interpretative perspective. Data was constructed using semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and literally transcribed and explored using content analysis in accordance with the thematic and adapted mode,.. Results and Discussion: the group under study constituted of young women and adolescents; the majority did not complete high school, were housewives and lived with a partner. The postpartum confinement represents a period of threat to women’s health and life, in which women must be away from physical effort and sexual activity, and requires physical and emotional support from the family and people who are close to them. Women are encouraged to choose light food as chicken, rice, green vegetables and fruits, and avoid “heavy” and fatty foods. To produce good and sufficient milk, they must drink milk, mate, beer and liquids. Conclusion: postpartum confinement is a biological, historical, social, emotional and cultural process. It is necessary to comprehend the different aspects that delimit practices and attitudes to reach the equilibrium between social and cultural precepts and scientific precepts and to promote a postpartum confinement living with serenity and confidence.