Obstetric care in the COVID-19 pandemic: Communication interactions between nurse midwives, woman, and doula

Abstract

Background: Obstetric care, a positive birth experience, and professional interactions were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and had to be restructured. Objective: To describe the communication process between doulas and obstetric nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Main topics under analysis: Disturbances in the interaction of the health team have impacted as-pects such as communication in health and collaboration, with deficits in the interpersonal relationships between nurses, doulas, and women. It is associated with autonomy of action and professional interactions, where conflicts and loss of quality of care were observed. Health sector reforms are urgent, including the delivery of respectful and quality care to women, families, and communities. Conclusion: The communication process has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the development of interaction mechanisms to facilitate care activities and strategies to improve power relations between obstetric nurses and doulas in caring for women.