Which behavior should the nurse anticipate for a new mother with an uncomplicated vaginal birth on the third postpartum day?

• A. Request help with ambulation and perineal care.
• B. Exhibit interest in learning more about infant care.
• C. Sleep most of the time when the baby is not present.
• D. Be very excited and talkative about the birth experience.

Answer: (B)

On the third day after an uncomplicated vaginal birth, the mother is typically shifting into the maternal role and becoming engaged in caring for the newborn. Demonstrating interest in learning more about infant care shows readiness to bond, take on caregiving tasks, and participate in the infant’s daily routines. This engagement also opens opportunities for teaching about feeding cues, safe sleep, diapering, bathing, and recognizing signs of distress, which supports healthy mother–infant adaptation and discharge readiness.

While needing help with ambulation and perineal care can occur earlier or as needed, by day three the focus commonly centers on infant care and learning how to respond to the newborn’s needs. Sleeping most of the time and being very excited and talkative about the birth experience are less typical indicators of the adjustment happening at this point, as the priority becomes infant care and bonding rather than ongoing strong talkativeness or prolonged rest.