Communication as a safety and protection factor in childbirth

Abstract

Exploratory and descriptive study that was carried out in a public maternity in the city of Porto Alegre/RS, from March to July 2010. The objective was to observe and analyze health team performance regarding safety and protection mother-child binomial during delivery. Twenty deliveries were observed, and the partial data presented correspond to ten observations. Among the elements to be analyzed, in this article we have selected the communication established between health team and woman, for being the first emerged category. Results have shown iatrogenic communication, but empathic support and stimulus to the presence of the mother’s companion have also been evidenced. The analysis has shown that the health care team has an important role in safety and protection of the mother-child binomial. The importance of nurses as changing agents has been highlighted in the model of health care directed towards the needs of the woman, newborn and family.

Descriptors: Communication; Humanizing delivery; Safety; Nursing care.