The objective of the present study was to discover and understand the experience of mothers faced with the diagnosis and birth of babies with malformation. It was a descriptive-exploratory qualitative research study, performed with seven mothers in Maringá-PR, Brazil. Data were collected in April 2009 through previously scheduled semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using content analysis. The data showed that the different moments of the pregnancy-puerperium cycle involve various facts and emotions, which are nevertheless interconnected, including confirmation of malformation (usually during pregnancy), confirmed diagnosis at birth, and life with the baby after birth. It is concluded that the discovery and confirmation of malformation leads to crisis and denial of expectations in the mother and all family members, resulting in changes in their way of life. However, the mother gradually overcomes and learns ways to cope with the problem and prejudices associated with malformation.
Mothers; Pregnancy; Postpartum Period; Congenital Abnormalities; Life Change Events
