The role of the doula in women's care during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To review the potential of doula care in monitoring women during the pregnancy cycle. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, built from a search in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scientific Electronic Library (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and Database in Nursing (BDENF). The descriptors used were consulted in the list of Health Sciences Descriptors (DECs) and are: “doulas” and “humanized childbirth”, being used articles in Portuguese and English from the last 10 years and 8 studies were selected. Results: Evidence is that the insertion of the doula in the monitoring of pregnant women contributes to the humanization of care and support to the woman who starts to be cared for and accompanied in a unique way. These relationships contribute to the fact that most women choose normal and natural childbirth. Final considerations: The doula allows the rescue of the meaning of giving birth in a natural way and being able to experience this unique moment, leaving out all the social stigmatization imposed over time, therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness of the multidisciplinary team so that the doula is inserted in the labor process.