Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Q 32
On the first postpartum (PP) night, a client requests that her baby be sent back to the nursery so she can get some sleep. The client is most likely in which of the following phases?
A. Depression phase
B. Letting-go phase
C. Taking-hold phase
D. Taking-in phase
Correct Answer: D. Taking-in phase
The taking-in phase occurs in the first 24 hours after birth. The mother is concerned with her own needs and requires support from staff and relatives. The woman becomes dependent on her healthcare provider or support person with some of the daily tasks and decision-making. The woman prefers to talk about her experiences during labor and birth and also her pregnancy. Encouraging the woman to talk about her experiences during labor and birth would greatly help her adjust and let her incorporate it into her new life.
Option A: Depression is not one of the phases of postpartum psychological changes. The changes that the woman undergoes are crucial within the first 24 hours of postpartum, especially the psychological changes. These changes might affect the woman permanently if not given the appropriate attention and care.
Option B: The letting-go phase begins several weeks later when the mother incorporates the new infant into the family unit. During the letting go phase, the woman finally accepts her new role and gives up her old roles like being a childless woman or just a mother of one child. Readjustment of relationships is needed for an easy transition to this phase.
Option C: The taking-hold phase occurs when the mother is ready to take responsibility for her care as well as the infant’s care. The taking hold phase starts 2 to 4 days after delivery. The woman starts to initiate actions on her own and makes decisions without relying on others. She starts to focus on the newborn instead of herself and begins to actively participate in newborn care.