Puerperal women's perceptions on vertical and horizontal deliveries

This qualitative study aims to better understand the perceptions of puerperal women regarding their experiences in vertical and horizontal deliveries and identify positive and negative aspects of each position. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten puerperal women hospitalized in the rooming-in unit of a teaching hospital. After thematic analysis - Collective Subject Discourse - positive aspects of the vertical position emerged, namely: greater comfort, freedom of movement, reduction of the expulsive effort, favors women's participation. Negative aspects were listed as discomfort and lack of obstetric intervention. Positive aspects of the horizontal position were reported as quickness, feelings of security and of being helped. Negative aspects were related to discomfort and difficulty in exerting strength. Positive aspects of the vertical position and negative aspects of the horizontal position stood out more intensely and frequently, and are in accordance with scientific evidence.