Abstract

ZANATTA, Edinara  and  PEREIRA, Caroline Rubin Rossato. She sees in you the world: the experience of motherhood for the first time. Temas psicol. [online]. 2015, vol.23, n.4, pp. 959-972. ISSN 1413-389X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.9788/TP2015.4-12.

The arrival of the first child is characterized as a period of many changes in women's lives. At a psychological level, it is highlighted the emotional aspects involved with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and mother-infant relationship. This study aimed to investigate maternal feelings about pregnancy, birth and the mother-infant relationship in women who experienced motherhood for the first time. Six first-time mothers whose babies were aged seven to twelve months and who were participants in the Children's Program at a Basic Health Unit of a city in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul took part in this study. The data originated from semi-structured interviews were submitted to a qualitative analysis. Two thematic categories - "Tested positive: I'm pregnant" and Mother-infant relationship: a process of discovery - were identified through content analysis. The results indicated the presence of feelings such as joy, denial, surprise and anguish at the confirmation of pregnancy. The gestational period was marked by emotional instability, irritability, besides feelings of insecurity about motherhood. With regard to the mother-child relationship, this was described by mothers as a rewarding and loving experience. Furthermore, there was recognition of the difficulties and duties involved with motherhood. Finally, the first experience of motherhood is highlighted as an intense moment in a woman's life, during which is important to count on the support of people she trusts and with whom she feels safe.

Keywords : Motherhood; mother-child relations; pregnancy.

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