Inevitable mother–Baby separation in the immediate postpartum from a maternal perspective

Abstract

Objectives: to understand the process of inevitable mother-baby separation in the immediate postpartum from a maternal perspective. Methods: this is a qualitative approach research study developed by interviewing 15 mothers who were separated from their children in the postpartum at a public maternity hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis content was used for data interpretation. Results: the categories were evidenced through "Maternal feelings and perceptions regarding to the child’s separation in the postpartum period" and "Women’s perception about health professionals' performance at the time of the separation and the presence of their companions", the contradictions of feelings and challenges experienced by the mothers due to the separation as for, the happiness of her child’s birth followed by the anguish of being separated and the fear of losing her child..The healthcare team plays a relevant role regarding the difficulties and helps to overcome these challenges. Conclusions: advances in healthcare actions are needed in order to offer directed care to the real necessities of these mothers and decrease the negative impacts caused by this separation.