Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2008;8(2):67-72.

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Mothers’ perceptions on the sleep of infants undergoing massage

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200800009

Abstract

This study aimed to identify how mothers perceive the sleep of infants taking part at the Grupo Terapêutico de Massagem e Estimulação de Bebês (Therapeutical Massage and Infant Stimulation Group – GTMEB), one of the levels of activities of the Extension Project Grupo de Massagem e Estimulação de Bebês( Infant Massage and Stimulation Group GMEB),we have used a phenomenological qualitative study designed based on the following question: How do you see your baby’s sleep? Infant sleep for mothers is a time for recovery and reestablishment of the vitality necessary to perform daily activities and learning. When it is experienced in a calm manner, it brings balance favoring development as a whole. They mention the influence of the environment and of the personal activities of adults in their infants sleep-wake cycle and recognized the results of massage in their sleep; emphasizing the improvements in their sleep brought by the practice. Considering the importance of initial experiences, and correlating the benefits brought by massage to infants with the results this type of intervention can have in the relationship dynamic between mothers, fathers and infants, it becomes imperative to understand and respect sleep as a basic need, both in the domestic, educational and hospital environment..