ABSTRACT
In this essay, we contrast the prevailing technocratic model of childbirth care, described by Robbie Davis-Floyd, with practices based on other paradigms. Our aim is to provide an alternative to the interventionist model that has been consolidated throughout the history of modern obstetrics. At first, we discuss the emergence of a technocentric and universalizing obstetric practice, as childbirth becomes an object of knowledge of the scientific medicine. Afterwards, we carry out a reflection on the production of knowledge itself, in order to present elements to support a practice that expresses a different epistemic perspective. Inspired by Donna Haraway’s contributions regarding the nature of objectivity, we propose a situated practice, which turns to the particular experiences of childbirth and incorporates other modes of production of knowledge in the decision-making process.
KEYWORDS
Feminism; Humanizing delivery; Knowledge