This exploratory descriptive study, using a qualitative approach, aimed to characterize the social support of nurses in the care of their own children. The participants were ten nurses who were mothers, selected through a snowball method. Data collection occurred from November 2011 to January 2012 through semi-structured interviews and construction of families' genograms and ecomaps. Data were analyzed through Bardin content analysis, leading to the establishment of two categories: (1) Returning to work: the importance of family support and (2) The family and their interactive contexts: types of bonds. The social support network of the family is essential to the lives of these women, who need support, assistance and guidance in directing their activities in everyday overload.
Mothers; Nursing; Work; Social support
