This study sought to learn about and better understand the social construction process of the identity for mothers of children with Down Syndrome. This is a case study called oral history, conducted with three women through semi-structured interviews in September of 2007. In the thematic content analysis, seven categories emerged: Discovery, Needs, Problems, Lack of guidance, Information about Down Syndrome, Prejudice and Beliefs, Religiousness, and Faith. Two sub-categories emerged in the Discovery category, denominated Feelings and Positive and Negative Demonstrations. The negative emotional impact emerged strongly upon discovering the condition of the newborn child; but later there arose a conformism of the situation, leading the mother to experiment ambivalent feelings. It is believed that orientation constitutes the first step in overcoming the new life situation of these women; however, this study demonstrated the shortage of this resource among professionals and health care services.
Oral history; Down Syndrome; Nursing