The purpose of the study was to identify problems perceived by mothers in caring of low birth weight babies and to understand the resources used while facing health complications. The qualitative study was developed together with six mothers living in Maringá, PR, Brazil. Data were collected from February to September 2008 in four home visits through semi-structured interviews. The mothers experienced difficulties related to healthcare professionals and services, infant's characteristics, changes in family routine and the return to work. To confront the problems, they used their own resources or medical care. It was concluded that the mother and the family need professional monitoring and support to better care for the low birth weight baby at home
Child health; Infant care; Pediatric nursing; Family; Infant, low birth weight; Qualitative research
