Childbirth is a relevant happening in a woman's life, as it is a unique moment for the mother-child binomial. This study aimed at understanding the factors that interfere in the experience lived by childbearing women. Seven women who gave birth through normal childbirth in a public maternity in Fortaleza-Ceará participated in the study. Data were collected from June to August, 2003. Ethnonursing was the method used for data collection and analysis. The findings were reflected in the framework of Leininger's Diversity and Universality of Cultural Care Theory, which were organized in three categories: Fear; Influence of the beliefs and religiosity; previous pregnancy. The practice of cultural care to women showed the importance of communication and consideration of women's beliefs and values at the moment of the childbirth process and delivery.
nursing theory; natural childbirth; culture; nursing