Introduction:

The cultural and ethnic diversity of indigenous peoples in Colombia makes it necessary to adopt a differential approach to the health of different cultures.

Objective:

To understand the meaning of puerperium assigned by the Embera Katío, from the municipality of Tierralta, Córdoba, 2017-2018.

Method:

ethnographic study. Theoretical sample with 13 key participants. Participant observation methods and in-depth interviews were used. The analysis was guided by Leininger’s proposal. Ethical aspects were considered.

Results:

The puerperium, called “Recién Parida”, is a period of change and uncertainty between happiness and danger of getting sick or dying, which consists of four cultural patterns: 1. Just after giving birth my body changes physically and mentally; 2. Right after giving birth I feel happy to be accompanied and alive; 3. Just after giving birth, I am in danger and I am afraid of getting sick and die; 4. A hatch of attention and teachings to take care of me.

Conclusions:

Embera Katío puerperal women consider puerperium as a process of change and uncertainty which can be dangerous due to natural, physical and emotional factors which generate fear of illness or death. They recognize that their body must recover and close after childbirth in order not to suffer from diseases, and they require a hatch of accompaniment between the care provided especially by the family and self-care.

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