The objective of this study was to better understand the experience and perceptions of a group of women with respect to walking and diet during labor. This is a qualitative, descriptive study, performed in a teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data was collected through interviewing a sample of 35 women who had vaginal deliveries at two different moments in that hospital. The results show that walking helps some of these women to relieve pain and contributed to their labor progression, while others felt insecurity forcing themselves during delivery, due to fear of the baby falling to the floor. With respect to diet, the women who ate reported feeling stronger during childbirth, and those who declined food justified it through their fear of disturbing labor. One concludes that it is crucial to take into consideration the individuality and autonomy of the woman's choice; basic premises when seeking humanized care.
Humanizing delivery; Humanization of assistance; Obstetrical nursing