OBJECTIVES: this article reports on a multicentric research carried out in three State capitals in the Southern Region of Brazil, focusing on the experience of users of the supplementary network and aims to contribute to understanding of the influence of Professional care on the type of delivery carried out in this segment of the population. METHODS: a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted, using data collected between December 2006 and February 2007 by way of interviews with 33 women within 18 months of childbirth. RESULTS: the results showed a high incidence of cesarean section and, among the factors contributing this was, identified the medicalization of the process of pregnancy and childbirth, the fear of pain, the convenience of a pre-established date of birth and a process of negotiation/orientation between the pregnant woman, her family and medical professionals, with the latter enjoying special authority. Cultural factors, previous experiences, family relations and pre-natal care based on biomedicine also inclined women in favor of cesarean birth. CONCLUSIONS: it was concluded that a combination of cultural and organizational factors should be considered when restructuring pre-natal care with a view to promoting natural birth
Parturition; Cesarean section; Anthropology; Supplemental health; Health services