CONSTRUCTION OF MATERNAL IDENTITY IN LATE REPRODUCTIVE AGE: SELF-PERCEPTION OF PRIMIPARAS IN THE SIXTH MONTH POSTPARTUM

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15956326020310

• Palavras-chave: Maternal Identity; Primiparity; Late Motherhood; Postpartum Period; Self-Concept.

• Keywords: Maternal Identity; Primiparity; Late Motherhood; Postpartum Period; Self-Concept.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Motherhood is one of the most important physical and psychological experiences in the life of a woman in late reproductive age, often associated with the woman's perception of motherhood and her entire environment.
  Objectives: To describe the self-perception of motherhood in first-time mothers in late reproductive age in the sixth month after delivery.
  Methodology: This was a quantitative study using a descriptive-correlational method. The non-probabilistic accidental sample consisted of a total of 137 mothers of late reproductive age in the sixth month after giving birth. Two instruments were applied: the sociodemographic characterization questionnaire; The Being a Mother Scale (BaM-13; Matthey, 2011).
  Results: In the psychometric study of the Self-Perception of Being a Mother Scale (EapSM), we chose to maintain the three original domains of the scale for theoretical reasons. In this study, a Cronbach's alpha of .78 was obtained, indicating reasonable internal consistency. The results showed that as maternal age increases, mothers have fewer somatic symptoms and that marital status seems to influence maternal adjustment and attitudes. In the correlational study, it was found that the better the mother's perception of the experience of motherhood, the better her attitudes and adjustment. In addition, the data showed that maternal age and the mother's experience with the child/baby predict maternal somatic symptoms. 
  Conclusion: This research allowed us to understand how motherhood is lived and experienced by these women, and by knowing their needs, Maternal and Obstetric Health Specialist Nurses, in particular, can develop appropriate interventions, considering this area a priority in nursing care.