A new nurse assigned to the postpartum mother–baby unit makes a comment to the oncoming shift that Ms. Griffin, a 25-year-old primipara, seems lazy and shows no initiative in taking care of herself or her baby. The nurse reported that Ms. Griffin talks excessively about her labor and birth experience and seems preoccupied with herself and her needs, not her newborn’s care. She wonders if something is wrong with this mother because she seems so self-centered and has to be directed to do everything.
a. Is there something “wrong” with Ms. Griffin’s behavior? Why or why not?
b. What maternal role phase is being described by the new nurse?
c. What role can the nurse play to support the mother through this phase?
