<P> The three stages are broken into separation, pregnancy, and reincorporation . These three stages characterize the rite of passage and are culturally relative to the society within which they are functioning . It has been shown that there are sometimes four stages, and in rare cases, up to ten . However, such cases have never been recorded . </P> <P> Separation: A phase during which the pregnant woman begins to form a new self - identity as a result of her pregnancy . She is separated from her original state of being . In this stage, the woman is now an "other", unlike her old self . </P> <P> Pregnancy: A phase where the pregnant woman is in between phases . She is neither a "usual" member of society nor a mother . This stage continues until after the birth of the child . </P> <P> Integration: The woman accepts her new social identity . This phase ends in the infant's first few months of life when the woman feels that she is similar to her previous self . </P>

Robbie davis floyd birth as a rite of passage