Abstract
Adequate feeding during pregnancy is recommended, with a view to gaining weight within the expected for each pregnant woman. The act of eating, however, is permeated not only by the nutritional, but also cultural, economic and emotional dimension, and can influence the gestational weight gain. This study aimed to analyze how women learn about feeding guidelines they receive during the pregnancy-puerperal period and the relationship with eating practices after the initial puerperium. The research of a qualitative approach, based on the interpretative perspective, showed that there is a difficulty in the supply and access to food, besides the influence that this food suffers from cultural and symbolic factors. The guidelines received were incorporated to the knowledge acquired by the local culture, influencing what is considered necessary and possible for each woman, showing a monotony of food and a pattern of consumption aimed at the exclusion of fruits and vegetables.
Keywords:
postpartum period; maternal nutrition; weight gain; feeding behavior