The present study aimed to investigate maternal perceptions and feelings concerning child's developmental acquisitions from 18 to 20 months. Fourteen primiparus mothers, aged 20 to 37, of different socioeconomic background took part in the study. They lived with their partners in the metropolitan region of orto Alegre. A semi-structured interview was carried out, which was analyzed according to content analysis. The analysis focused on maternal experience and child development. The similarities and particularities of maternal perception and feelings concerning developmental acquisitions were examined. Results revealed an increase in language, motor, socio-emotional and cognitive-intellectual acquisitions. Children demanded more maternal attention and availability, provoking positive, negative and ambivalent feelings from their mother. It is important that mothers understand the acquisitions from this period which will enable them to deal more adequately with a relationship that oscillates between dependence and independence.
Maternal perception; maternal feelings; child development
