Ela enxerga em ti o mundo: a experiência da maternidade pela primeira vez

The arrival of the fi rst 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 fi rst time. Six fi rst-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. 1 Endereço para correspondência: Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 74B, Sala 3206A, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. E-mail: edi.zanatta@hotmail.com Zanatta, E., Pereira, C. R. R. 960 Two thematic categories – “Tested positive: I’m pregnant” and Mother-infant relationship: a process of discovery – were identifi ed through content analysis. The results indicated the presence of feelings such as joy, denial, surprise and anguish at the confi rmation 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 diffi culties and duties involved with motherhood. Finally, the fi rst 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.