Which statement reflects the Interdependent phase of maternal role adaptation?

• A. I have developed a routine that works for me, the baby, and my partner.
• B. I feel overwhelmed and isolated.
• C. I want to return to work immediately.
• D. I neglect partner involvement.

Answer: (A)

In the interdependent phase, the new mother begins to integrate infant care into the family system by sharing responsibilities and coordinating routines with her partner. The statement about having a routine that works for me, the baby, and my partner shows this collaboration in action—caregiving tasks are distributed, schedules are negotiated, and both partners support each other to meet the baby’s needs. This reflects moving beyond simply adjusting to the baby to building a functioning partnership that accommodates everyone involved. The other options point to earlier adjustment challenges or a lack of involvement from the partner, which are not characteristic of this phase of adapting to motherhood.