The Maternal Experience of the Caring Function During the Child Dependency Period/A Vivencia Materna da Funcao de Cuidar no Periodo de Dependencia da Crianca

The present study investigated the maternal experience of the caring function during child dependence period. Three mother-child pairs participated in this multiple case study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in six distinct moments of child development (6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 36th, 48th month). Data were analyzed by clinical report. It was evidenced that the caring function requires great maternal availability, especially regarding the child's dependence and independence movements. Despite the satisfaction in caring, mothers faced difficulties and tiredness. Still, they found the possibility of self-care and to reedit the care received in childhood when taking care of the baby. Thus, it is important to encourage maternal knowledge and legitimizing the experience of ambivalent feelings in caring for children. KEYWORDS: maternal role, care, mother-child relation, emotional development Buscou-se investigar a vivencia materna da funcao de cuidar no periodo de dependencia da crianca. Participaram desse estudo de caso multiplo tres duplas mae-crianca. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas em seis momentos do desenvolvimento infantil (6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 mes), cujos dados foram analisados por meio do relato clinico. Evidenciou-se que a funcao de cuidar exige grande disponibilidade materna, especialmente quanto aos movimentos de dependencia e independencia da crianca. Apesar da satisfacao ao cuidar, as maes se depararam com dificuldades e cansaco. Ainda, encontraram a possibilidade de autocuidado e de reeditar os cuidados recebidos na infancia ao cuidarem do bebe. Assim, destaca-se a importancia de encorajar o saber materno e legitimar a vivencia de sentimentos ambivalentes no cuidado com criancas. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: funcao materna, cuidar, relacao mae-bebe, desenvolvimento emocional