This study aimed at describing how communication is established between professionals assisting low-risk childbirth and women experiencing the parturition process. The results obtained from participant observation and interviews with the puerperae showed that the quality of communication is impaired and there is the prevalence of non-therapeutic communication. Technicism dominates and is permeated by a low level of perception and sensitivity with regard to the actual needs of women in labor. The management of labor and childbirth was most often the simple execution of technical procedures.
communication; delivery; obstetric nursing