Which statement describes taking-hold stage?

• A. The mother continues to be passive and focused on rest.
• B. The mother shows increased interest in caring for the infant and resumes more confident functioning.
• C. The mother withdraws from infant care.
• D. The mother experiences postpartum depression.

Answer: (B)

This question covers the postpartum maternal adaptation phase known as taking-hold. In this stage, the mother moves from a focus on herself and rest to actively engaging with the infant and taking on caregiving tasks with growing confidence. She becomes more interested in caring for the baby, starts to master routines (feeding, soothing, diapering), and demonstrates increasing independence in infant care. That’s why the statement describing heightened involvement in caring for the infant and renewed confidence best fits this stage.

The other descriptors reflect earlier or different states. Being passive and focused on rest aligns with the initial taking-in phase, where the emphasis is on recovery and birth experience. Withdrawal from infant care is not typical of taking-hold and can signal disengagement or mood concerns. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that requires separate assessment and is not a normal stage of adaptation.