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Abstract
Background: MaternaMente stems from Parto do Princ´ıpio—Brazilian Women Network for Active Maternity. MaternaMente covers the ABC Region, an area of the State of Sa˜ o Paulo (southeastern Brazil) which includes seven cities and about 2.5 million people (2011 Census).
Objectives: To disseminate good quality information in accessible language about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. To support women in their search for a respectful evidence-based childbirth.
Methods: The group holds monthly free of charge meetings open to the community that happen in variable venues so that women from different places can participate. Women and their companions have the opportunity to express their fears, doubts and anxieties in relation to childbirth. Each month a childbirth related theme is discussed so that participants can make contact with evidence-based practice standards. MaternaMente also maintains a blog to share news related to childbirth related care provoking reflections on the hegemonic model of care. Reports of labor and childbirth produced by the women who participated in meetings are also published. Support via e-mail, discussion lists and social networking are also provided. By digital media, women reach out and touch each other sharing their experiences, their knowledge, their fears and anxieties, and also stimulate each other to take control of their bodies and seek evidence-based care.
Results: Despite the crude reality of excessive use of non-evidence based technology, most women who participate in the meetings give birth according to their birth plans, along with the companion of their choice in the health facility of their choice or even at home. From this positive experience, they all start to have a different attitude towards care for their bodies and their families, seeking information about their health and seeking alternative care they consider best suited to their lifestyle.
Objectives: To disseminate good quality information in accessible language about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. To support women in their search for a respectful evidence-based childbirth.
Methods: The group holds monthly free of charge meetings open to the community that happen in variable venues so that women from different places can participate. Women and their companions have the opportunity to express their fears, doubts and anxieties in relation to childbirth. Each month a childbirth related theme is discussed so that participants can make contact with evidence-based practice standards. MaternaMente also maintains a blog to share news related to childbirth related care provoking reflections on the hegemonic model of care. Reports of labor and childbirth produced by the women who participated in meetings are also published. Support via e-mail, discussion lists and social networking are also provided. By digital media, women reach out and touch each other sharing their experiences, their knowledge, their fears and anxieties, and also stimulate each other to take control of their bodies and seek evidence-based care.
Results: Despite the crude reality of excessive use of non-evidence based technology, most women who participate in the meetings give birth according to their birth plans, along with the companion of their choice in the health facility of their choice or even at home. From this positive experience, they all start to have a different attitude towards care for their bodies and their families, seeking information about their health and seeking alternative care they consider best suited to their lifestyle.
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