PUERPERIUM, FAMILY AND SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand, through the lens of Symbolic Interactionism, the interrelation between the puerperium and the family. Development: the interactionist perspective argues that people's actions and interactions are shaped by the meanings they assign to ‘things’-meanings that emerge from social interactions and are continuously (re)constructed. Specifically, during the puerperium, a challenging and transformative stage for families, individuals act based on the meanings they attribute to this period. Their actions and interactions influence health practices, which, in turn, are shaped by the symbols and meanings associated with this stage. Conclusion: health care professionals and services must recognize and consider the symbols and meanings that families assign to the puerperal period. By doing so, they can ensure that their interventions support rather than disrupt family dynamics, ultimately fostering a positive puerperal experience.