THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADDRESSING THE EMOTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF POSTPARTUM WOMEN

Abstract

The postpartum period represents a phase of profound physical, hormonal, emotional, and social, changes, characterized by the return os the female body to its pre-pregnancy state and adaptation to new role of mother. While it is a time of joy with the arrival of the child, it can also be accompanied by feelings such as insecurity, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, especiallyin the absence of a solid support network. In this scenario, nurses play a crucial role in identifying and addressing the emotional and psychosocial needs of women, fostering a healthier and more humanized motherhood experience. This study aims to examine how holistic nursing care impacts the experience of motherhood, promoting well-being and strengthening the connection between mother and baby. This bibliographical research, with an integrative approach, was based on scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024 on the SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, and Google Scholar platforms. The terms “women’s health care”, “nursing in the postpartum period”, “postpartum period” and “nursing care” were used. The findings indicate that the empathetic and humanized role of the nurse in the postpartum period is fundamental to addressing the emotional and physical. The research analyzed shows that strategies such as active listening, health education, emotional support, and nursing consultations are effective in mitigating mental health problems, such as baby blues and postpartum depression, as well as helping to prevent physical complications and strengthen the bond with the newborn. It was also observed that humanizing care and providing a welcoming environment are practices that encourage maternal empowerment and facilitate adaptation to the new routine. In conclusion, by adopting a holistic approach that is attentive to the woman’s emotions, nurses contribute significantly to care during the pregnancy-puerperium cycle, reinforcing the motherhood process and promoting health.