Mothers’ learning and care in the kangaroo method

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the meaning of the experience of mothers in the Kangaroo Method. Method: exploratory and descriptive study, with qualitative approach, conducted in two public institutions in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The empirical production of the data was through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and reflection workshops, with the participation of 19 mothers of newborns. To operationalize the data, the categorical thematic content analysis was used. Results: the continuous experience of mothers in the Kangaroo Care ward enabled the construction of knowledge linked to the expansion and/or acquisition of experiences, especially for primiparous women, for being premature newborns, who need singular and differentiated care, added to the increased bond between mother/newborn with other family members and health professionals. Conclusion: the experience of mothers in the Kangaroo Care ward favored significant learning for them to care more safely for their children at home after hospital discharge.