Mães de gêmeos: vivências e repercussões subjetivas em primíparas

Abstract

Mothering is understood as a social construct that affects various aspects of a woman’s life. Experiencing motherhood for the first time prompts primiparous mothers to undergo a series of psychic reorganizations. In the case of twin motherhood, the simultaneous arrival of two or more children can have even more significant impacts, especially during the early years of the babies’ lives. In this context, the general objective of this research was to analyze the subjective experiences of women whose first children are twins. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven participants. The interviews were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis, which was organized into three main axes: becoming a mother, from the pregnancy-puerperal cycle to caring for twin children; subjective changes and identity redefinitions through mothering; and relational experiences from the maternal perspective, focusing on the construction of partnerships and support networks. The study examined the subjective repercussions of twin motherhood in first-time mothers, highlighting the psychic challenges involved in simultaneously caring for two babies. It revealed the maternal investment in nurturing unique bonds with each child, as well as efforts to reconnect with aspects of their own identity. Paternal co-responsibility and support networks emerged as key emotional holding environments amid the demands of parenting