Rebirth of childbirth: reflections on medicalization of the Brazilian obstetric care

Rev Bras Enferm. 2018 Sep-Oct;71(5):2594-2598. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0564.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: to reflect on the medicalization process of childbirth and birth and its consequences based on a Brazilian audiovisual media artifact.

Method: reflective and interpretive analysis of the documentary O Renascimento do Parto (The Rebirth of Childbirth) based on Critical Discourse Analysis.

Results: c-section emerges as an alternative to adverse conditions of pregnancy. However, it has become a routine and abusive practice of a medicalized obstetric care, thus becoming a social problem. In order to the incidence of c-sections decrease, women's protagonism must be restored, in addition to considering psychological, affective, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and contextual aspects in childbirth.

Conclusion: childbirth is established as a material element and a mental phenomenon of social practices. We must interrupt the predominant model, allowing the body to express itself through the release of oxytocin, and decrease the segregation that c-section causes, thus enabling affective bonds.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Counseling / methods
  • Counseling / trends
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medicalization / methods*
  • Obstetrics / trends*
  • Parturition*
  • Pregnancy