EVALUATION OF THE PRESENCE OF THE COMPANION DURING BIRTH AND THE PUERPERIUM IN A PUBLIC MATERNITY UNIT

Abstract

This descriptive quantitative study aimed to evaluate puerperas’ opinions regarding experiencing the presence of the companion in the process of birth and puerperium, in a public maternity unit, a center of excellence for high risk pregnancies, in the State of Paraná. Data collection occurred between August and September 2012 with 105 puerperas, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The presence of the companion was considered positive, and the tasks he undertook provided the puerpera with security, especially for care for her and the baby. It stood out that the service users wish to have a companion, regardless of the institution’s structural conditions.

Keywords

• Obstetric nursing
• Humanization of birth
• Maternity ward