Childbirth care by health professionals: conflicting practices in obstetrics

Abstract

Objectives: to understand the perceptions of women and health professionals regarding childbirth care at a teaching hospital in the western state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: this qualitative study employed Grounded Theory, conducted in an obstetric care service with 38 participants (women and health professionals) through semi-structured interviews. Results: limitations in physical infrastructure and management of care, along with the women’s limited knowledge about the childbirth process and the decision-making and guidance of professionals, show conflicting obstetric practices-a discrepancy between good practices and obstetric violence. Training in obstetric nursing and active participation in care, alongside the presence of a companion, were identified as intervening conditions and strategies in the process. Final Considerations: childbirth care is characterized by dichotomous practices. While some professionals base their practices on scientific evidence, others rely on teachings and experiences from the time of their training.