Maternal Adaptation in the Role of Caring for and Rearing 12-Month-old Babies

Adaptações Maternas Envolvidas na Função de Cuidar e Educar aos 12 Meses do Bebê

Adaptaciones Maternas en la Función de Cuidar y Educar a los 12 Meses del Bebé

This study aimed to investigate the maternal role of caring for and rearing 12-month-old babies based on Winnicott´s concepts. Twenty-five primiparous mothers answered interviews about the baby’s development and motherhood. Thematic analysis showed that the maternal role of caring for was marked by manifestations of dependence and independence, by the development transitions, and by maternal sensitivity to the signs and rhythm of the baby. Regarding the role of rearing, mothers reported different strategies when they needed to establish the baby´s limits. They also had doubts about the best way to rear the baby, since he/she often opposed the maternal limits. In summary, at 12 months, the specificity of maternal role was related to the subtle adjustment of the mother to the more active rhythm of the baby, being emotionally available to his/her new discoveries, but also allowing his/her experiences of frustration.

Keywords:
Child development; maternal role; caring; rearing