SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS IN THE PUERPERIUM: USE OF INFORMATION TECNOLOGIES
Support networks. Virtual group. Mental health. Maternal health. Postpartum period.
The puerperal period, understood as the period immediately after childbirth and of varying duration, is considered a critical time of transition, as changes occur in the woman's social role and identity, which will influence her routine and interpersonal relationships. These mothers often experience psychological distress during this period. As a result, a growing number of women are seeking information and support through digital media, especially those who are pregnant for the first time or caring for their first child. That said, this study aims to understand how a virtual mothers' group can help during the puerperal period, serving as a support network for women who are often helpless and/or unassisted by health professionals, family and friends in helping to care for the baby. The research is qualitative and descriptive. Participants will be women over the age of 18, who have given birth at more than 37 weeks and whose child is up to 2 years old. They must also have been in the WhatsApp group for at least 6 months. Interviews will be conducted in the participants' homes using a semi-structured script with open-ended questions. The data will be analyzed using Bardin's categorical content analysis. The interviews will be transcribed and organized according to coding and thematic categories will be defined for reflective and critical analysis.