Vivências da maternidade em casos de toxoplasmose congênita e pós-natal

Abstract

In 2018, an outbreak in the region of Santa Maria/RS triggered several cases of gestational, congenital and postnatal toxoplasmosis, with risk of organic complications for children, which may affect the psychological development of mother and baby during pregnancy and after birth. Thus, this clinical-qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of maternity in cases of babies with toxoplasmosis. Five mothers of babies diagnosed with congenital or postnatal toxoplasmosis had participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation of Risk Indicators for Child Development (IRDI). After Content Analysis, the results were grouped into four categories: 1) the shocks of maternity experience with toxoplasmosis; 2) the suffering of maternity experience with toxoplasmosis; 3) the mother-baby bond and the different ways to signify the experience of motherhood with toxoplasmosis; 4) possibilities of overcoming maternity difficulties with toxoplasmosis and importance of support networks. Despite the difficulties imposed by the disease, mother-infant bonding was successful, therefore, toxoplasmosis did not impair the good relationship between mothers and their children. The support networks related to health care, family support and the practice of spirituality and religiosity were important factors to overcome the difficulties brought by the disease. In conclusion, it is important to emphasize the training of professionals to understand the peculiarities of cases that have their experiences crossed by toxoplasmosis, in order to provide an affective and effective welcoming.