RECEPTION AND VALORIZATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS INVOLVED IN MOTHERING: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT FROM PET-SAÚDE EQUIDADE

Abstract

This article analyzes the institutional conditions for the reception and valorization of health workers and students involved in mothering processes in the municipalities of Acarape and Redenção, Ceará. It is an exploratory and descriptive mixed-methods study articulated with an experience report developed within PET-Saúde: Equidade at the University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (UNILAB). The corpus included the project database, questionnaires administered in person, records from the mapping of childcare institutions and health services, documentary analysis, and systematized memories of the authors. The three mapped childcare institutions served children of SUS workers; however, none offered nighttime or full-time care, and only one reported schedule flexibility and a support program or partnership. No specific breastfeeding support, structured practices to reduce the impacts of parental work, or complaint channel was identified. Field reports highlighted family insecurity, insufficient resources, dependence on grandmothers, and incompatible schedules. It is concluded that effective reception requires intersectoral coordination, flexible hours, support for breastfeeding and mental health, and strategies to reconcile work, education, and family life.