Saberes e práticas das parteiras tradicionais do interior do estado do Piauí semiárido

Abstract

This monograph analyzes the knowledge and practices of traditional midwives in quilombola communities in the semi-arid region of Piauí, with a focus on Canabrava dos Amaros, Paquetá do Piauí. The objective of this study was to know the choices of women in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle between the care of midwives and that of formal services (UBS/ESF), to record histories of practices and knowledge, to trace sociodemographic profiles and to describe the care path. This is an exploratory- descriptive study, with a qualitative-quantitative approach, with semi-structured interviews with midwives, pregnant and puerperal women, application of questionnaires, participant observation and field diary. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; the qualitative ones, by content analysis (Bardin), with triangulation of sources. The results indicate a bond of trust and acceptance as central reasons for the search for midwives, a predominance of normal deliveries and the maintenance of traditional practices (herbal medicines, rituals and emotional support) increasingly articulated with professional prenatal care. Historical gaps in biomedical access were evidenced and, simultaneously, the mediating role of midwives in the promotion of maternal and child health, including in the puerperium (support for breastfeeding and care for the newborn). It is concluded that traditional childbirth constitutes cultural heritage and strategic health resource in the communities studied, recommending the strengthening of public policies for the recognition, training and safe integration of this knowledge into the SUS.