Mães do equilíbrio: prática religiosa e terapêutica em mulheres que [não] fazem uso da ayahuasca durante a gestação e parto em João Pessoa

Abstract

The present research has organized around the possible understandings that women have in relation to labor for to give a birth. This study was carried out with pregnant women and postpartum women who attended the " Equilíbrio do Ser's Mother " group of pregnant women located in the Center for Integrative Practices - Equilíbrio do Ser, in João Pessoa's City. I used theoretical elements about religiosity, gestation, childbirth and ayahuasca, as well as ethnographic research as a methodological resource. The general objective of the research was to compare the experience of women who use and that do not use ayahuasca during gestation and childbirth, considering their spiritual and religious practices. For this, I analyzed the socioreligious and historical constructions around childbirth; I performed an understanding of ayahuasca's use practices as well as "integrative and complementary health practices" as a contribution to gestation and childbirth; and finally, I analyzed the experiences of gestation and childbirth among women who use or that do not use ayahuasca. What differential aspects in the experiences of women who use or that do not use ayahuasca during gestation and childbirth? As a result, this research portrays the Equilíbrio do Ser's Mother group feminine empowerment group, where therapeutic practices work, regatting in these practices the feminine side as an experience lived by women, in gestating and postpartum, regardless of the use of ayahuasca , as a unique experience, giving it strength, power and renewal.