IntroductionRamona T. Mercer is the theorist credited with developing the theory of maternal role acquisition, also known as the theory of becoming a mother. “Maternal role acquisition is an interactional and developmental process occurring over time during which a mother becomes attached to her child, acquires skills in the caretaking tasks involved in the role, and expresses pleasure and satisfaction. gratification in the role (Tomey and Alligood, 2006, p. 608). Mercer's career focused primarily on pediatrics, obstetrics, and maternal and child nursing. Mercer's greatest accolades lie in her extensive research on the topic of maternal role and development (Tomey & Alligood, 2006, p. 605). The author chose to research Mercer's theory of maternal role acquisition because she is of childbearing age and will start a family with her husband within five years. The author believes that the process of "upbringing" and the way a person is socialized within their environment, especially their family, can determine to a large extent the degree of development (physical, spiritual, social and emotional ) of a person. By having a better understanding of Mercer's theory of maternal role fulfillment, the writer can have an increased ability to create healthy relationships with their family members, especially their children. Origins of the Theory Mercer graduated from St. Margaret's School of Nursing in Montgomery, Alabama in 1950. She worked in the fields of pediatrics, obstetrics, and communicable disease as a nurse, nurse in chef and trainer for almost 12 years. In 1962, she received her bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico. Mercer earned her master's degree in maternal and child nursing in 1964...... middle of article...... abase.Mercer, R. (2004). Becoming a mother versus obtaining the maternal role. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36(3), 226-232. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Mercer, R. and Walker, L. (2006). A review of nursing interventions to promote becoming a mother. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 35(5), 568-582. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with full-text database. Poster, E. (1984). Human responses to procreation. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 6(3), 99. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Tarkka, M. (2003). Predictors of maternal competence of first-time mothers when the child is 8 months old. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41(3), 233-240. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with full-text database. Tomey, AM and Alligood, MR (2006). Nursing theorists and their work (6th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.