Reflections on the promotion of health in the context the program humanization prenatal and birth

Objective: to think over the role of health promotion in the context of the Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program. Method: a reflective study, conducted from reading articles, manuals of the Ministry of Health, legislation and books. The search was performed by on-line access in March 2011. After reading and summary the literature, we proceeded to descriptive analysis, which contributed to the reflection on the subject. Results: the humanized obstetrical attention involves knowledge, practices and attitudes aiming to promote a healthy childbirth and birth. The PBHP adopts humanization in an equity/citizenship context, being health promotion associated with the role of citizens seen as citizens of rights. Health in education corroborates with the empowerment of women in this obstetric experience. Conclusion: the health promotion in the PBHP includes a quality care and humanization, considering the woman as the protagonist of pregnancy and childbirth. It’s up to the nurse to reflect over health promotion of the binomial mother and son. Descriptors: humanizing delivery; health promotion; health education; nursing.