On the first postpartum night, a client requests that her baby be sent back to the nursery; the client is most likely in which phase?

• A. Taking-in phase
• B. Depression phase
• C. Letting-go phase
• D. Taking-hold phase

Answer: (A)

The situation tests how a new mother adjusts to her postpartum role, especially during the early recovery period after birth. In the taking-in phase, the mother is typically focused on her own recovery and physical needs, with limited energy and a tendency to rely on others for help. She may describe the birth experience and request that tasks—like infant care—be handled by staff or family so she can rest. This is a time when she isn’t actively taking on the responsibility of caring for the baby herself.

So, wanting the baby sent back to the nursery to sleep and recuperate fits taking-in because the priority is rest and recovery rather than actively caring for the infant. In contrast, the letting-hold phase is when she begins to assume more hands-on infant care and learning, and letting-go involves integrating the baby into family life and routines. Postpartum depression is a mood disturbance and not a distinct phase of maternal role adaptation, though mood changes can occur.