Power relations and knowledge of neonatal teams in the Kangaroo Mother Care implementation and dissemination*

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the power relations and knowledge among health teams that permeate the Kangaroo Mother Care implementation and dissemination in the state of Santa Catarina. Method: socio-historical qualitative research, carried out in the state of Santa Catarina, from January to November 2019, based on interviews with 12 health professionals. Data were analyzed in the light of Foucault’s genealogical proposal, with the help of Atlas.ti Cloud®. Results: the relationships of neonatal team members strengthened Kangaroo Mother Care actions in the state, articulating services and favoring health professionals’ autonomy. However, Kangaroo nurses stand out in this process, and the hegemonic medical discourse often still represses the other professional categories. Conclusion: professionals develop strategies to negotiate changes in the practice of care, moving between the plots of power and knowledge, sometimes exercising it, sometimes being passive to it.