Living in the other side of kangaroo method: the mother’s experience

Abstract

The present research aims to identify the mother's difficulties to participate in the Kangaroo Mother Method, and to observe the strategies used by her in this method to overcome their difficulties. Descriptive study of qualitative approach performed in a hospital of the city of Rio de Janeiro, in the half first of 2006. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview with five mothers at the Kangaroo ward of a hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The thematic analysis resulted in two categories: Learning how to be a Kangaroo, and Living as a Kangaroo. The results indicate that although the mothers acknowledge the method's importance for their children's recovery, the personal and familiar extent of their dilemma and adversities, can compromise, and even make them unable to participate in the program. Therefore, the family and health team is crucial for the best participation of this mother in the Kangaroo Method.