Childbirth: perceptions of women assisted in Vitória de Santo Antão-PE

Objective: to analyze how it is being given assistance to pregnant women in Vitória de Santo Antão – PE and know the perception of these women entered into this process. Method: this is an exploratory and descriptive study, with qualitative approach. Data were collected in light of the thematic oral history method. The study population of women in puerperium mediate assisted in maternity wards in the municipality during the period November 2009 to January 2010 and enrolled in a Basic Health Unit, which totaled seven interviews. For the analysis it used as a guiding interpretive techniques of social research. Results: the statement revealed aspects to be discussed in care, such as; individualized care, non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief, allowing an accompanying right to choose the type of delivery, among others. The speeches of the participants give light to te actions recommended by the Ministry of Health and show that lack much to humanize the deployment of labor. Conclusion: this study gave voice to women, exposing their desires to be accepted, be respected, to have space to express their pain and get quality care. Descriptores: nursing; humanized childbirth; nursing mothers and infants; qualitative analysis.