Adaptação à parentalidade: o nascimento do primeiro filho

Theoretical framework: The birth of the first child is an event that changes parents' lives in a process that is facilitated by obstetric and maternal health nurses. Objective: To understand the experiences of parenthood during hospital stay, after the birth of the first healthy child, and within the first 48 hours after a normal birth. Methodology: This study was framed within the qualitative paradigm. Twenty-six parents (13 fathers and 13 mothers) of a healthy term newborn participated in the study. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Answers were subjected to content analysis and registration units were grouped into categories. Results: Maternal figures underlined fatigue and a psychological state that alternated between joy and sadness, which they were not able to specify. Paternal figures saw their role as accessory in a setting where mothers and newborns played the central role. Conclusion: This study contributed to understanding the transition to parenthood. Both fathers and mothers reported this stage in a different way. While the postpartum woman looked for attention, assistance and guidance from nurses, the father wanted to be more involved in the process.