Which statement best reflects taking-in stage behavior in the postpartum period?

• A. The mother is preoccupied with her own needs and rest.
• B. The mother demonstrates strong early bonding by initiating infant care.
• C. The mother experiences postpartum psychosis.
• D. The mother refuses to hold infant.

Answer: (A)

Taking-in is the first phase of maternal adjustment after birth, typically lasting about the first 24 to 48 hours. During this time the mother is often dependent and focused on her own recovery—rest, nutrition, comfort, and physical recovery from labor. She may speak about the birth experience and rely on others to care for the newborn while she recuperates. Because of this emphasis on self-care and fatigue, she is less likely to initiate infant care. This makes the statement about being preoccupied with her own needs and rest the best reflection of taking-in behavior. Bonding and active caregiving tend to emerge in the next phase (taking-hold), whereas postpartum psychosis or outright refusal to hold the infant would indicate pathology or a non-normative response rather than a normal stage.