The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand traditional self care about pregnancy, delivery, and for the newborn among native women. For data collection, 16 semi-structured interviews with mothers and midwives of a Peruvian native community were carried out. Upon the support of the social representations theory and ethnographic method, three thematic categories were identified: the symbols and traditional practices represented in applying self-care; preparing the pregnant woman for an easy delivery; the midwife, knowledge, practices, and things during the delivery that represent protection for the baby; and the midwife and the mother assure immediate care and feeding of the newborn. Finally, the practices of traditional self care are considered to be common sense, transmitted by generations, highlighting the woman caregiver. Respect for their cosmo-vision and nature was observed; and the self care anchor is rooted in their customs, beliefs, symbols, and images, with a little integration of occidental care and health.
Self care; Maternal and child health; Indigenous population; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice