OBJECTIVE: To check interpersonal relationships among puerpera with hospitalized newborn children, experienced in the support group. METHODS: Action research carried out at "Cara da Mamãe" (Mommy's Home), annexed to a philanthropic hospital in Sobral, Ceará State, in April 2005. The support group was formed by using, in the group approach, the theoretical construct proposed by Loomis. A preparatory and six group sessions were performed. Nine mothers participated in the study. RESULTS: Both isolation and sadness of the new puerpera hinder other mothers approximation, influencing on the experience adaptation process. These mothers coping time is linked to the number of relationships established by them. The roles developed and the power of influence may be related to factors such as: educational background, age group and skills in providing support. CONCLUSION: The group approach may be used by nurses during intervention with mothers who accompany their hospitalized children. It may stimulate integration and support, favoring adaptation.
Postnatal period; Group structure; Infant, newborn; Child, hospitalized; Mother-child relations
