Knowledge and experiences of pregnant women about puerperal self-care and newborn care through educational practices

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the knowledge and experiences of pregnant women about puerperal self-care and newborn care through educational practices. Method: qualitative study with 16 pregnant women who attended prenatal care in a public maternity hospital in Salvador, Bahia. A semi-structured interview guide and health educational practices were applied in data collection. Content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results: three categories emerged: self-care in the postpartum period: relevant and indispensable; newborn and breastfeeding: learning the best care; and educational practices during pregnancy: the expected result. The need and relevance of educational practices since pregnancy were evidenced; however, the newborn care was valued in relation to the woman’s self-care, and may influence the (self-)care of those involved. Final Considerations: the educational practices performed during prenatal care offered subsidies for women’s empowerment and autonomy when returning home; however, when performed, they distanced themselves from female self-care, as they tended to value only the newborn care.