Paula was described as "filled with peace, fortitude and resignation", or "the most quiet and gentle of Leopoldina and Pedro's children" and seldom complained, even though she had suffered from frequent health problems ever since infancy; she was often so sick that she could not do her lessons with her siblings. She had never been robust or entirely healthy until the middle of 1831, when she had a bout of strength: she was able to lead an active life and grew taller.