Abstract
Microcephaly is a neurological condition that affects child’s head circumference. This qualitative descriptive research sought to evaluate how mothers of child with microcephaly deal with the real baby, identifying reconstruction processes of maternal idealizations. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a recorded semi-structured interview were conducted with the mothers of six babies born with microcephaly of up to one year of age from three municipalities of the countryside of Paraíba. With psychoanalytical theoretical support, data underwent categorical thematic analysis and resulted in nine categories: a) reactions to diagnosis; b) grief over the idealized baby; c) grief elaboration and coping mechanisms; d) ways of dealing with the baby and mothering bond; e) family dynamics after microcephaly diagnosis; f) prejudice; g) care focused on biological and physical aspects; h) psychological support and welcoming; and i) social support. The results indicate that mothers’ psychological and social aspects are affected by the situation, with spirituality, family support, and contact with other mothers who experienced the same situation being coping strategies. According to the reports, the most significant social support was provided by the mothers of other children with microcephaly, whom the interviewees got to know and spend time with during the interdisciplinary treatment of their children. Psychologists also offered significant support for the family facing microcephaly, helping to strengthen motherhood, empower the mother to cope with disillusionment, reorganize and adapt to this baby with multiple disabilities, and enable the mother to be rebuilt idealizations.
Keywords:
Microcephaly; Zika Virus; Mother-Child Relationships; Maternal idealization