The Maternal Experience of the Caring Function During the Child Dependency Period

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the maternal experience of the caring function during child dependence period. Three mother-child pairs participated in this multiple case study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in six distinct moments of child development (6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 36th, 48th month). Data were analyzed by clinical report. It was evidenced that the caring function requires great maternal availability, especially regarding the child's dependence and independence movements. Despite the satisfaction in caring, mothers faced difficulties and tiredness. Still, they found the possibility of self-care and to reedit the care received in childhood when taking care of the baby. Thus, it is important to encourage maternal knowledge and legitimizing the experience of ambivalent feelings in caring for children.摘要：本研究探讨了儿童依赖期照料职能中的母亲体验。本研究选取三对母婴作为研究对象，采用多案例研究方法。在儿童发育的六个关键时间节点（第6、12、18、24、36、48月龄）开展半结构化访谈。研究数据通过临床报告分析法进行分析。研究证实，照料职能要求母亲具备充足的照料投入度，尤其需兼顾儿童的依赖需求与独立行为表现。尽管照料过程中不乏满足感，但母亲们仍面临诸多困境与身心疲惫。尽管如此，在照料婴儿的过程中，她们得以实现自我关怀，并重构童年时期自身所获得的照料体验。因此，鼓励母亲提升育儿知识水平，并认可其在照料儿童过程中产生的矛盾情绪体验，具有重要意义。