BARCIA, Sónia    VERISSIMO, Manuela. The importance of infant massage to motherhood attitudes. []. , 11, 2, pp.271-281. ISSN 1645-0086.

The transition to motherhood is a time of great change in a women’s life. However several factors may contribute so that it can be lived in a more peaceful way. Infant massage can be one of these factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the importance of infant massage in the attitudes towards motherhood through the CAQ­P, over 3 time points (end of pregnancy up to 4 months). The sample consists of 194 mothers, divided by two groups (group 1­massage; Group 2­control). At the 1st moment no significant differences were found between groups, but on the 2nd and 3th moments, the massage group showed more positive attitudes towards motherhood. This study suggests that the mothers who learn to perform infant massage have more positive attitudes towards motherhood. They also involve and share with the fathers the baby’s needs.

: Attitudes; infant massage; maternal competence.

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