Abstract

ORDINOLA RAMIREZ, Carla María et al. Beliefs and customs of mothers and midwives for the care of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in the district of Huancas (Chachapoyas, Peru). Arnaldoa [online]. 2019, vol.26, n.1, pp.325-338. ISSN 1815-8242.  http://dx.doi.org/10.22497/arnaldoa.261.26115.

The aim of the present investigation was to describe the beliefs and customs of mothers and midwives for the care of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in the district of Huancas (province of Chachapoyas, Peru). The qualitative method was used, with chain sampling. As instrument, the in-depth interview was applied to 24 mothers and 6 midwives, individually and in focus groups, between June and October 2014. The information provided by the interviewers was transcribed according to their oral expression to be grouped into four categories: (i) signals and dangers during pregnancy, (ii) care during pregnancy and childbirth, (iii) difficulties in childbirth, and (iv) care during the puerperium. From interviews and focus groups, it is evident that mothers and midwives recognize signals of danger during pregnancy, such as hip and belly pain, vaginal bleeding and swelling. Among the cares during pregnancy, they indicate an adequate diet, the use of loose clothing. If they have problems that the midwife cannot solve, they recur to the medical center, and they see pregnancy as something natural that does not impede their daily activities to which they are accustomed. The delivery, generally, is attended by the midwife applying the customs and beliefs of the area, which includes the position of the pregnant woman for the birth, the use of medicinal plants and the support of close relatives. The care for the recovery of the mother and the care of the newborn are in charge of the family members. The conceptions and perceptions of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium in the town of Huancas are respected by its inhabitants, and have an effect on maternal and child health

Keywords : pregnancy; childbirth; puerperium; interculturality; Huancas.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )