Maternity in the perspective of adolescent mothers and their mothers

Este estudo buscou investigar o subsistema avós maternas dos bebês-mães adolescentes, de baixa renda. Averiguou-se especificamente: a reação inicial frente à gravidez, as concepções sobre o exercício da maternidade adolescente e o papel desempenhado pelas avós frente a esta situação. Elaborou-se uma entrevista semi-estruturada a partir de um estudo piloto. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e posteriormente analisadas segundo a técnica de análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin (1976). Participaram da pesquisa 25 avós maternas dos bebês e 25 mães adolescentes. Verificou-se que, as reações iniciais desfavoráveis frente à notícia da gravidez prevaleceram nos relatos das adolescentes e de suas mães. No que se refere ao exercício da maternidade constatou-se que, houve uma concepção favorável, principalmente por parte das adolescentes. Contudo, algumas avós ressaltaram a imaturidade e a impaciência das mães para com suas crianças. Verificou-se também que as avós maternas dos bebês exerciam os seguintes papéis: cuidar/apoiar; ensinar/orientar; papel de mãe; avaliar e controlar.In the present study it was investigated the subsystem adolescent mothers and their mothers from low income background. It was specifically investigated: the initial reaction to the pregnancy, the conceptions on the adolescent's maternity and the role carried out by the grandmothers. A semi-structured interview was elaborated based on a pilot study. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and later analyzed according to the technique of content analysis proposed by Bardin (1976). In this research 25 grandmothers and 25 adolescent mothers participated. It was verified that, the initial unfavourable reactions on pregnancy prevailed in the adolescents and their mothers reports. In what refers to the exercise of the maternity, it was verified that there was a favourable conception, mainly from the adolescents. However, some grandmothers emphasized aspects related to the adolescents' immaturity and impatience with their babies. It was also verified that the maternal grandmother exercised the following roles: taking care/ supporting; teaching/ guiding; mother's role; evaluating and controling