[Support during childbirth: perception of health care providers and companions chosen by women].
OBJECTIVE
To understand health care providers' perception on managing laboring women in the presence of a labor companion of their choice, and the labor companion's perception of this experience.


METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted based on a controlled randomized clinical trial. Sampling was intentional and determined through information saturation. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 health care providers and 16 laboring companions in the obstetric unit of a maternity facility at the hospital complex, in Campinas, Southern Brazil, between October 2004 and March 2005. The thematic analysis of discourse was applied using the following methodological figures: central idea, key expressions and discourse of the collective subject.


RESULTS
The most remarkable central ideas of health care providers were: no difference was observed in managing laboring women with a labor companion; positive changes were noted in labor management when a labor companion was present; the companion provided emotional support to laboring women who were more pleased, and felt safer and peaceful; many positive aspects were seen in the behavior and involvement of laboring women with a labor companion; the companion caused no problems and encouraged health providers to engage in a more humane and less routine attitude. The main central ideas of labor companions were: positive feelings, emotions, a sense of satisfaction with the experience; being with the laboring woman was a great opportunity to provide her emotional support; and they felt welcome by health care providers.


CONCLUSIONS
Health providers considered positive the support provided by a labor companion and had no problems in managing laboring women in the presence of their companions. Labor companions were pleased and happy with this experience. There was no conflicting opinions.
Brüggemann
Odaléa Maria
OM
Departamento de Enfermagem, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. odalea@nfr.ufsc.br
Osis
Maria José Duarte
MJ
Parpinelli
Mary Angela
MA
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D011247:Pregnancy; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research