![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
A qualitative study was carried out with 12 HIV-positive women to describe their feelings about motherhood, to learn whether they make plans for the care of their children, and to identify mechanisms of defence they use to face their seropositivity. Motherhood was seen as an essential attribute of women and a reason of living. Breastfeeding was considered a fundamental component of the maternal role. Some women made provisions with their family for the care of their children. Thinking about the possibility of their children becoming orphans made women feel impotent and guilty. Such painful feelings were minimized through mechanisms of defence like compensation, denial, rationalization and projection. Health care professionals should consider that clinical assistance and free distribution of medication are not sufficient to HIV-positive women. These women need continuous support and guidance with respect to their physical, mental and emotional health as well as that of their children.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the São Paulo State Foundation for the Support of Research (FAPESP) and the Fund for the Support of Teaching, Research and Extension (FAEPEX) of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) for their financial support.