The importance of motherhood in the hospitalization of children with chronic diseases

Abstract

Objective: To describe the meanings of the experience of motherhood in the hospitalization of children with chronic disease. Method: exploratory field research with a qualitative approach, conducted with six mothers of children with chronic disease, in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital. The collection took place from February to May 2017, through semi-structured interviews and we used content analysis in the thematic modality for data treatment. Results: three categories emerged: Ambivalent feelings expressed by mothers; Uncertainty of motherhood regarding hospitalized child with chronic disease; and Change in maternal routine regarding hospitalization of children with chronic disease. Conclusion: the study provided an opportunity to respond to the experience of motherhood of children with chronic illness manifested through feelings, uncertainties and changes in family routine, which allowed us to reflect on interventions that can alleviate the negative implications throughout the hospitalization period of these children.

Keywords

• maternidade
• hospitalização
• doença crônica, criança.