Maternal Role Attainment During the Letting-Go Phase of the Postpartum Period Among Teenage Mothers in Cebu City

Abstract

Teenage motherhood presents significant challenges as adolescents transition into maternal roles while simultaneously undergoing developmental changes associated with adolescence. This study assessed maternal role attainment during the letting-go phase of the postpartum period among teenage mothers in Cebu City. Specifically, it examined the respondents' demographic characteristics and the extent of their maternal role attainment in caring for their infants and adapting to motherhood. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed involving thirty (30) teenage mothers aged 16 to 19 years who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire that underwent pretesting to establish its validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most respondents were 18 years old, single, college-level students who had undergone normal delivery and continued their schooling after childbirth. The overall weighted mean of 3.36 indicated that maternal role attainment was fully attained. The respondents demonstrated competence in infant care practices such as feeding, hygiene, health monitoring, and emotional nurturing. The findings suggest that teenage mothers are capable of successfully assuming maternal responsibilities when supported by family members, healthcare providers, and the community. The study concludes that strengthening postpartum education, counseling services, and family-centered interventions may further enhance maternal role attainment among teenage mothers.