ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the experiences of mothers who accompany the hospitalization of their children with cystic fibrosis. Methods The open interview technique was used in a sample of eight mothers with children hospitalized in the pediatric ward of a federal public hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, from june to july 2010, applying an interview with the following question: "Talk about your child's hospitalizations". Results The thematic analysis resulted in the following categories: the health team as a support network during hospitalization; the impact of hospitalization in daily life and, negative feelings generated by hospitalization. The narratives show that the hospitalization of these children generates changes of great social and emotional impact in the life of the mothers. Conclusion Mothers of fibrocystic children need support and communication opportunities in the hospitalization process, and these opportunities can help them to rebuild their daily lives within the restrictions imposed by the disease.