New names for stages in the process of establishing a maternal
identity in BAM were derived from the qualitative
data: (a) commitment, attachment, and preparation (pregnancy);
(b) acquaintance, learning, and physical restoration
(first 2 to 6 weeks following birth); (c) moving toward a
new normal (2 weeks to 4 months); and (d) achievement
of the maternal identity (around 4 months). The times for
achieving the last three stages are highly variable, and are influenced
by maternal and infant variables and the social environmental
context. The stages also overlap; for example,
physical restoration continues beyond the first few weeks,
but it is predominant earlier. Moving toward a new normal
may begin shortly after birth, but it becomes predominant
when the mother learns the nuances of her baby’s behavior.
The commitment, attachment, and preparation stage in
which a woman’s work in becoming a mother begins has
long-range implications. The woman’s active involvement
in this stage has been consistently linked to a positive adaptation
to motherhood.