Nutritional care during prenatal and postpartum periods: A report of experiences in a city on Sao Paulo's coast

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present a report of the experiences of the adoption of the Approach to Nutritional Care during Prenatal and Postpartum Periods, resulting from a partnership between the university and the municipal primary health care system of Santos, SP, Brazil. This approach was developed through joint work plans based on the need to incorporate nutritional care into the prenatal and postpartum care. All stages of design and implementation and the results of this strategy were documented in a field diary. This approach was adopted in two basic health units between 2010 and 2014. The stages of this process were planned in conjunction with health care teams and consisted of putting together interdisciplinary groups for nutrition education during the prenatal period. Interdisciplinary educational group meetings were held focusing on listening to the needs of pregnant women, the provision of prenatal nutritional care, and on the project to monitor the nutritional status of newborns through home visits up to the 15 days of postpartum. The interdisciplinary activities strengthened the bond between the users and the health care team members, contributing to the provision of effective care and promoting integrality. Home visiting contributed to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.