MYTHS AND BELIEFS IN THE MOTHER CARE AND BABY

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This research aimed to identify the existence of myths and beliefs of mothers in relation to care practices with themselves and with their baby at the same time sought to analyze the influence of prenatal care in these practices. Methods: This is a qualitative research, exploratory and descriptive, developed during the months of March and April 2008. Data collection was performed through individual interviews, guided by a semi-structured itinerary, applied through home visits. The research subjects are women who had children less than 6 months ago, and that belong to an area attached to a family health unit of Rio Grande city. Results: The analysis of the discourse revealed that mothers have attended the prenatal consultations, however, they have difficulty in reproducing the received guidance. It was found that, even having received guidance related to care of themselves and their babies, mothers continue to use popular practices, most often oriented by family members. Conclusions: It is realized, therefore, the need to insert the pre-natal care, guidance relating to such practices. More than ever it evidences the need for an association of scientific knowledge to popular knowledge, valuing its knowledge while demystifying practices that may endanger the health of women and their babies.