This was an exploratory descriptive study with a qualitative approach that aimed to understand the perception of multiparous women about family and their strategies to manage their everyday lives in an inland city of the state of Paraná. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 women with four or more children who have sought the basic health unit in June/2012. Data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis. The following categories were identified: Family connection to last a lifetime; a new member in the family, again, and family life and the strategies to manage everyday life. It was possible to identify the importance of family in the lives of these women as the primary source of support and care. Moreover, the multiparous women in this study accepted the various responsibilities assigned to them by family and society, considering motherhood natural.
Family relations; Perception; Women's health services