Percepção materna sobre programa de acompanhamento do desenvolvimento da criança no primeiro ano de vida

Abstract

The family, with its diversity and complexity, is one of the main influencers of child growth and development. Brazilian public policies, in line with the principles of family-centered care, have sought to qualify the services and practices of child health care, based on the contribution of the parents, in all stages of care. In this perspective, the Projeto Cuidar e Crescer C&C (Care and Grow Together Project). in which the present study is inserted, focused on the evaluation of the growth and development of newborns at biological and / or social risk, with the objective of providing support to families through activities aimed at strengthening the emotional bond, reduce parental stress and stimulate practices of care that promote overall development in the first year of life. The objective of the present descriptive, exploratory study, based on the qualitative approach, was to understand the maternal perception about her participation with her baby in this intervention program with a focus on the family. Twenty-two mothers of infants who completed the follow-up in the C&C Project, who resided in Belo Horizonte and metropolitan region, participated. Participants were interviewed, during a home visit or by telephone, regarding the motivation to participate in the project, the benefits and the factors that influenced participation. The maternal perception about the intervention program was positive, characterizing the project as a reinforcement for the child's good development and an opportunity for maternal learning. The health condition of the baby, the search for information, the difficulty to access specialized services for the follow-up of preterm newborns and the approach of the professionals motivated the participation. Gratuitousness, multiprofessional service and flexibility of schedules encouraged participation, bringing benefits that overcame the personal difficulties faced to attend the scheduled appointments. The C&C Project contributed to the mother-child relationship, increased maternal security in the care and recognition of the child's difficulties and potential, which reaffirms the importance of child health care programs with an expanded family focus. The analysis of the data also brought the need to rethink the current childcentered model of care for children at biological risk and the possible modifications that are needed to better approximate to the reality and needs of the families.