This study investigated motherhood experience in HIV-positive women on the third-month-baby. Six mothers, aged from19 to 30, from low socioeconomic level took part in this study. Three of these mothers got pregnant knowing that they were infected, while the others were informed during or soon after delivery. The mothers were interviewed and their accounts were examined by means of a qualitative content analysis based on four themes: life-growth, primary relatedness, support matrix, and identity reorganization. The results showed that mothers were worried about having infected their babies and about his/her health. They reported also uncertainty feelings concerning to the future, guilt, and fear of discrimination. These fears seemed more intense for the three mothers who had their diagnosis during or soon after delivery. Issues such as HIV/Aids-related stigma, family conflicts, difficulties in assimilating the diagnosis and the treatment, socioeconomic difficulties and lack of support required large emotional strength from these women. The need for psychological support and psychosocial intervention with these mothers is discussed. This could contribute for their treatment adherence, their quality of life, and the development of their children.
HIV/Aids; motherhood; family
