O processo de tornar-se mãe: uma perspectiva ocupacional da maternidade

Abstract

In the experience of motherhood, we can observe abrupt changes in women's occupational roles, with the acquisition of a new role: the maternal role. These occupational roles are not innate, but socially determined and influenced. The occupational therapy professional analyzes and intervenes in occupations and their relationship with occupational roles and identity, aspects which are commonly impacted on in women's lives from pregnancy to the puerperium. In this sense, it is necessary to analyze the daily lives, desires and expectations of these women, taking into account the transformations due to the new family dynamics that are now emerging. Based on knowledge of occupation, the aim of this study was to reflect on women who have acquired the role of mother, identifying the physical, emotional, social and occupational process of becoming a mother from the perspective of occupation. This is a qualitative, exploratory study that used semi-structured interviews with six women assisted by a pilot project to support human breastfeeding, carried out between October 2022 and April 2023. The interviews were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The results of the data analysis revealed four thematic categories: I - The birth of the baby: feelings, expectations and realities; II - Co-occupation in motherhood: insecurities and challenges; III - The social idealization of the maternal role; IV - Where is the puerperal women's support network? It should be noted that the particularities of each pregnancy and childbirth can have an influence on characteristics in the postpartum period, and that adapting to the new routine of the puerperium challenges mothers in carrying out co-occupations in caring for the newborn. The acquisition of the maternal occupational role is a process fraught with social pressures, influenced by a sense of responsibility and obligation, generating the "mother" identity. The construction of motherhood is also influenced by the mother's ability to perform, and the so-called "maternal instinct" is questioned. This highlights the need to make spaces available for listening to and caring for women, helping them to develop, organize and perform their new role in society. It is therefore hoped that this study will contribute to broadening discussions and actions on Maternal and Child Health in occupational therapy, given that there is a tendency for academics and professional practices to focus their attention on this public only in atypical situations, linked to illnesses and disorders.