Percepções de cuidadoras de bebês entre 0 e 6 meses de idade acerca do conhecimento sobre o Tummy Time

Abstract

Introduction: Tummy Time (belly-down position) is a fundamental practice for the baby's motor development in the first months of life and should be practiced while the baby is awake. This practice must be supervised and there are particular recommendations regarding start time, duration and frequency. Purpose: This study seeks to qualitatively understand the perception of mothers and/or caregivers of babies between 0 and 6 months of age about the importance of this posture. Considering the low adherence and the scarcity of studies that identify the caregivers' needs regarding the Tummy Time, in this research we seek to identify, based on the perception of the mothers, barriers and facilitators for its implementation. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study that took place through debates carried out in person or by video call. Two focus groups were formed, in which Group 1 was formed by four mothers and Group 2 was formed by six mothers of babies from 0 to 6 months of age. After transcription of the speeches, the categorizations were identified and the factors that were characterized as possible causes of low adherence to the practice of the prone position of babies were evaluated. Results and discussion: In the analysis of the mothers' discourse and their perceptions about the Tummy Time, it was possible to identify as the main facilitator, the popularization and dissemination of the importance of the practice of this posture by health professionals through the internet, and as the main barriers the fears and maternal feelings in relation to the behavior of the children during the practice. Although mothers have greater ease and access to information about this posture, their apprehensions and fears interfere with the practice. Conclusion: There is greater understanding on the part of mothers about the importance of Tummy Time, however, there are feelings of fear of suffocation and discomfort for the child that interfere with their adherence. Professional clarifications in health services are essential to favor the improvement of the practice and also benefit the creation of new public health policies, to stimulate and disseminate the importance and adoption of this practice in Brazil.