The authors chose behavior observation through continuous and specific cursive recording. The purpose was to compare the behavior of mothers and natural-birth newborns with that of caesarian section newborns in their first 24 hours of life in rooming-in. Fourteen mother-child pairs, seven natural births and seven caesarian sections were observed. The observation led to useful conclusions related to nursing care. The mothers' voice and the way they fondle newborns can be indicators of their willingness to take care of the baby. Mothers who have caesarian sections need more attention to begin breastfeeding. In both groups, mothers improved better performance in caring for their newborns over the postpartum period. Inexperienced or fragile mothers need more postpartum attention. The environment can influence the establishment of successful ties
pediatric nursing; neonatal nursing; mother-object attachment
