Saberes y experiencias de autocuidado durante el puerperio inmediato y mediato en madres de la comunidad San Lucas de la provincia de Loja, 2024 - 2025

Abstract

Abstract: This study focuses on exploring the knowledge and experiences of self-care during the immediate and immediate postpartum period in mothers from the community of San Lucas, province of Loja. A qualitative research with a phenomenological design was developed, which allowed understanding from the subjective perspective of women, how they live, interpret and apply care practices after childbirth. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were used as the main data collection tool, applied to four first-time mothers with an age range between 18 and 27 years old, belonging to the mentioned community. The data collected were transcribed and analyzed by categories and subcategories with the help of ATLAS.ti software. As a result, the mothers' knowledge and experiences in the postpartum period are related to feeding, hygiene, ambulation, rest, limitation of certain activities, environmental modifications, traditional medicine, family support and preventive measures for complications that are transmitted by close relatives, especially by women. This work shows that maternal self-care in the puerperium is a dynamic process, influenced by social, cultural and environmental factors; it adapts to individual and collective circumstances, integrating popular knowledge with some elements of the health system.