<b>Postpartum needs and care in the vision of family health workers</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i2.16562

Abstract

This research study examines perceptions of family health workers about experiences and health care needs of men and women in the postpartum period. Its goal is to distinguish what they think about the needs of these individuals and what they need in terms of health care in that period. The study is exploratory and descriptive and qualitative. It was conducted at two Family Health Units in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, with 10 employees who work in postpartum care. It was carried out through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of the empirical material. Workers perceive postpartum as an event that expresses the essentially female gender culture that prevails in our society. In relation to women, the study identifies health needs as psycho-emotional, physical and learning about childcare. Men are not perceived as having their own health needs in the postpartum period, emphasizing the learning about childcare and supporting the partner. The types of care valued during postpartum are: control of organic risks of women and children, and educational actions regarding care for the newborn. The workers have difficulty identifying the scope and specificity of the needs and healthcare of women and men during the postpartum period.