Considerações sobre rede social de apoio a puérperas: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

The objective of this study is to give visibility to the theme and highlight the importance of the social support network for women in the puerperium period, based on the identification, selection, and critical analysis of what was produced regarding the theme "social support network for postpartum women" in the Scielo.br database. Method: in this study, as a methodological strategy, we chose to review the literature on the theme of the Social Network of support to puerperal women, based on articles published in the Scielo.br database (Scientific Electronic Library Online). The search for articles was based on descriptors: "social support", "maternity", "puerperium" and "support social network". Faced with the articles selected, the data were systematized in a matrix where the article was identified by title and author. The categories of interest in this study were: keywords, number of publications, area of study, period of publications, research subjects, data collection, objectives, theoretical basis used in research and research results. Results: Considering the analyzes carried out based on the Brazilian literature, we found a gap regarding the social network specifically supporting the puerperal women. We noticed that the articles cited in this study did not aim, for the most part, at the well-being of the puerperal as an individual, they linked the puerperium to the baby or to breastfeeding or in the relation of the puerperal woman with the female figures that surround her, among others. This shows us, that research should be carried out with more goals aimed at the puerpera only, their well-being and health. The data collected in the bibliographic review proposed by this study highlight the importance of the social support network in several dimensions, namely: 1) prevention of mental illness 2) encouragement and support for breastfeeding 3) baby 4) discussion about the division of family work, with greater participation of the partner / spouse 5) better assistance to the pregnant woman during prenatal and puerperium promoting health and preventing diseases, stressful situations and even a premature birth. Conclusion: All the researches analyzed were unanimous in the recognition of the importance for the puerpera to have a social network of support available, be it family, institutional or community. We perceive the real need in the creation of guidelines and specific public policies, it is fundamental a greater visibility for the puerperas as to attention, affection and zeal at that moment so important for the existential experience of mother and baby.