Table 3.

The emotional state of mothers carrying microcephalic children.

Category
Code	Quote
Feelings
Loneliness	“I feel alone, and sometimes it makes me make a mess [the house]”
Blame	“Sometimes, stress is so intense, that I forgot that my other child is six years old, and she needs my affection and love” “He [husband] tells off the girl and demands her more than what he should”
Patience	“It’s a bit stressful to know that development goes slow and that you previously had a normal child who walked when he was a year of age. But I am patient, and I know that this baby’s achievements are slow, and we applaud his progress”
Overwhelmed	“I got stressed with medical appointments and with doctors” “I feel a bit overwhelmed for the child, I go with her to psychical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapist…”
Sadness	“I take a towel, and scream, and cry alone”
Gratitude	“I feel happy. My daughter is a strong reason to be in charge. Even, she is not what we were expecting… we are satisfied now for what we have achieved”
Support
Lack of support	“I do not count on my mother-in-law, neither my sister-in-law, I think they step away from me because of the baby [and starts crying]” “My husband works a lot, I do not count on him”
Partner support	“My partner was fundamental. He told me: ‘He [baby] is normal, do not worry’ ”
Relatives support	“Sometimes I have time for myself. Sometimes I go out to have my hair or nails done. I count on my mother’s support.”