On this site many doorways open to reveal the rich dimensions of birth psychology--a new frontier of psychology applied to pregnancy and birth. Look for the new revelations about human development during prenatal life, the drama that unfolds during birth for all parties involved, and glimpse the bitter realities of birth trauma and the innovative ways invented to prevent or heal these traumas. In other sections of birthpsychology study and reflect upon the connection between birth and the origins of violence, and discover from primal health pioneer Michel Odent, M.D. how events in the primal period from conception to our first birthday correlate with health and disease in later life. 

In addition you will find valuable lists and directories, including a list of training opportunities, the location of therapists familiar with reproductive issues, and a host of selected websites oriented to birthpsychology concerns. Don't miss The Bookstore, a unique collection of books and videos sharply focused on the earliest period of human development--from conception to birth.

These riches come to you as a labor of love from APPPAH, the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health--pronounced APP (as in apple) and PAH (as in ma and pa). Founded in 1983, APPPAH is an educational and scientific organization offering information, inspiration, and support to persons interested in the expanding field of birth psychology. Come explore, learn, and work with us!

The prenatal in our title refers to the period of about nine months including conception and gestation, while perinatal refers to the crucial days surrounding the birth itself including the establishment of breastfeeding. We believe that these prenatal and perinatal experiences are formative for both babies and parents, and tend to establish patterns for life. At stake here is quality of life--the quality of personal relationships and consequently the quality of society itself. Womb ecology has a way of shaping world ecology!

To learn about the Association, its mission, history, and accomplishments since 1983, click on APPPAH at any time. Information on birth psychology is circulated quarterly through The Apppah Newletter, The Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health, by this birthpsychology website, and through International and Regional Conferences. Since the beginning of the website in 1996, we have been pleased to share a portion of our growing archives on the World Wide Web. Currently, we are receiving over 1,300 individual computer visits ("sessions") daily from more than 100 countries.

The Association is supported by a large number of dedicated volunteers, students, parents, and professionals working in the field. We invite you to make frequent use of the many resources assembled here, attend our educational events, and support our vision and mission.

We welcome your membership. When you join, you can choose a membership level that best meets your need for electronic or printed copies of quarterly publications of The APPPAH Newsletter and the Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health. You will be joining a world community of persons passionately concerned with the first frontier of human development--from pre-conception to birth and establishment of breastfeeding. Just click How to Join. 

For a more complete listing of all resources on this site, please turn to the Homepage. Your comments and suggestions will always be welcome. 

 David B. Chamberlain, Ph.D. Editor  
Website Team: Bobbi Jo Lyman, Maureen Wolfe, and Anthony Madrid

TO HOMEPAGE