Resumen

This is an exploratory descriptive study with qualitative approach, where one searched to identify feelings and expectations of HIV-positive mothers when living the experience of care for their HIV-positive children. The sample was composed of eleven HIV-positive volunteer mothers, enrolled in the clinic of the reference public hospital for infectious illnesses, in the city of Natal/RN/Brasil. After the signature of a free and clarified assent term, data were collected by the application of a semi-structured interview, whose reports were recorded and transcripted literally. For analysis, it was used the technique of content analysis, creating categories that emerged from the proper speech. The prevalent categories in relation to the experience of care for an HIV-positive son were: protection; anxiety; fear; loss; separation; prejudice; doubt and hope. The condition of the mother as an HIV-positive herself was not evidenced as the biggest concern. Mothers prioritize the needs of the child and the care for the children and the family. These data reveal "a suffering" on the mothers which guides us for a better qualified attention, carried in a perspective of reinforcement of their self-esteem and self-care. (Resumen extraído del artículo)