The Experience of Mother-Baby Interaction for Adolescent Mothers

Abstract

The initial mother-baby interaction, characterized by the mother’s intense adaptation to the child’s needs, is essential for the baby’s development. Equally important is the interaction that is established in the dyad, as the mother resumes other interests, and the baby acquires greater autonomy. This article aimed to understand the experience of mother-baby interaction for teenage mothers. The study had a qualitative character, with exploratory and descriptive design, and was carried out through semi-structured interviews with teenage mothers and observations of the relationship of the dyad mediated by playing. Data analysis was performed through content analysis. It was possible to notice that the participants developed a state of adaptation and devotion to their children. Still, it was observed the care of the mothers with their children, but also the autonomy afforded to babies. Thus, despite the difficulties inherent in the process of motherhood in adolescence, it can be understood that the mother-child interaction was permeated by affection and care, which allows the constitution of the baby as a subject. Finally, it is highlighted that the condition for the performance of maternal function would not necessarily be linked to the mother's age, but to their subjective experiences and their investment capacity.