Which is the first phase of behavior in becoming a mother?

• A. Engrossment
• B. Dependent behavior
• C. Letting go
• D. Autonomy

Answer: (B)

In Rubin’s framework of becoming a mother, the first phase after birth is dependent behavior. Right after delivery, a new mother relies on caregivers, family, and healthcare providers to meet her own needs and to learn how to care for her infant. She tends to be more passive, follows guidance, and focuses on understanding basic infant cues and routines. This initial period is a transitional learning phase before she becomes more actively engaged with the baby (engrossment) and later redefines her life to integrate motherhood (letting go). Engrossment comes next, as she becomes highly absorbed in the infant’s needs, and letting go involves adjusting relationships and identity to include the new role.