Participação e suporte do acompanhante e rede de apoio no ciclo gravídico-puerperal

Abstract

Introduction: The pregnancy-puerperal cycle is a period covered by physical and psychological changes in a woman's life. As a result, she needs constant support to help her in all these phases, from pregnancy, childbirth, to the puerperium and breastfeeding, which in itself is already a complex process that must begin to be introduced by the professionals involved since prenatal care. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the importance of the participation of the companion and the woman's support network in this cycle. Methodology: verifying through questionnaires how this participation had been until the moment of the immediate postpartum period, providing guidance to them on how they could help in the puerperium, in addition to providing information about breastfeeding, and after that, contacting them months later to find out about the experience of those involved with this support. Results: The results in both stages were mostly positive, with both puerperal women and companions highlighting the support provided and companions helping in different ways, both physically and psychologically, in addition to being emphasized by all interviewees how important this support is and significant. However, in the second stage, it was highlighted that almost all women who claimed to have received some assistance, even those with partners who were their main and closest companions, were helped especially by a female support network within their families. Conclusion: Considering that this study was coincidentally carried out only by women in heterosexual relationships, in addition to single women who were also helped by other women, it is clear that, especially in the breastfeeding and puerperium phase, the support network composed of female family members is predominant, and despite than being a necessary and indispensable help, it is important that male participation, when existing, needs to be elevated, since the partner, being so close to both mother and baby, must assume his role as protagonist in this cycle, and his support alone proves to be extremely beneficial at all times.