A mãe winnicottiana e os aspectos que compõem seu ambiente no maternar

Abstract

The mother-baby relationship and maternal functions are fundamental themes concerning the studies of maternity and consequently human development. The purpose of this work is to talk, according to the psychoanalytic referential of Donald Wood Winnicott, about what characterizes the “good enough mom”, what constitutes the exercise of mothering and which environment must be provided to the mother in order to favor complete dedication to her child. A bibliographic research was carried out directed to these themes and the main discussions were ordered in subheadings. Four scientific papers published between 2006 and 2016 were selected which approach the theme by the keywords: maternity; mothering; maternal functions; mother-baby relationship; Winnicott; psychoanalysis, aside from eleven books chosen from personal collection. The study discusses the concept that mothering is a construction and identification with the baby, the mother’s life experiences, the environment provided in order that she feels welcomed, the psychological investment made by her about motherhood and the maternal exercise are factors which favor her capacity of providing the affection and cares required so the baby can develop in a healthy manner. From this work, conceiving the maternage as a unique construction of each woman, it is possible to question the concept of maternal instinct, understanding that the care that the baby needs can be provided by another person who is willing to fulfill this function if the biological mother does not is present.