This study aimed to report aspects of how mothers undertake home care of their infants while the latter are kept in a neonatal home care program. It was based on a qualitative approach and institutional analysis related to the gender category was used as theoretical reference frameworks. Data collection was carried out through semistructured interviews with eleven mothers after discharge from the program. Discourse analysis showed that the mothers assessed this form of care as essential, innovative and positive. It is thus considered an effective intervention from a child-integrated-care perspective, since interference of the team in the everyday lives of these women and their children encompassed not only the clinical aspect but affected other dimensions of their lives. It established a partnership with them and helped the mothers to build greater autonomy in caring for their children. However, there is a need for interinstitutional space, which will create the potential for basic health care actions.
infant care; health programs and projects; home care services; hospital-based; home nursing