Journals

Though obstetrics has been dominated by medical procedures for decades, the medical paradigm has been shifting, particularly through the inclusion of mind-body medicine, and new forms of childbirth practice and care have been evolving. Mind-body practice in childbirth is seen to have developed in three distinct stages, from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.  Prenatal mind-body practices have emerged, supported by traditional meditation science and extensive contemporary research.

A growing body of research indicates that high levels of prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) can have lasting negative impacts on offspring. This review examines current literature about the structural and physiological effects of gestational stress on the brain of the fetus.

In the U.S. and other industrialized nations, the prevailing childbirth approach has been described as medicalized, a view in which safe birth is characterized as requiring specialized intervention. From the perspective that birth attitudes are largely enculturated, we assessed medical and natural birth attitudes among 1,467 nulliparous university women and men, expecting that pre-parents would endorse medical more strongly than natural birth attitudes. We analyzed data in subgroups categorized by sex, race, and future childbearing plans.

Abstract: A newborn separated from his mother at birth and relinquished for adoption is susceptible to a primal wounding. This construct describes the deep psychic scarring and lasting emotional impact of adoption caused by the sudden severing of the in utero bond with the biological mother. The results of the trauma are believed to be substantial and to carry major long-term developmental effects, and yet the nature of those implications remains poorly understood.

Abstract: The primary goal of this paper is to provide a theoretical understanding of postpartum depression that captures multiple aspects of a woman’s life during pregnancy and postpartum. Recent literature cites the couple’s relationship as playing an important role in the antenatal period. This paper offers a unique perspective. Family systems theory is employed to inform the conceptualization of postpartum depression and also to guide clinicians, women and family’s understanding of this disorder from a relational perspective.

One in seven women in the United States experience postpartum depression (PPD). However, despite general awareness of this condition many cases are not identified or treated. Left untreated, postpartum depression may become severe, affecting not only the mother, but also her family—most notably her child’s development and health. A major question is who will screen women for PPD? Medical professionals may or may not ask a new mother about depressive symptoms (either formally via questionnaire or informally in conversation), and mothers may or may not answer these questions truthfully.

Michel Odent studied medicine in Paris and was educated as a surgeon. He has been presented in Lancet as “one of the last real general surgeons.” Dr. Odent was in charge of the surgical and maternity units of the Pithiviers Hospital (France) from 1962 to 1985, where he developed a special interest in environmental factors influencing the birth process. He introduced concepts like home-like birthing rooms and birthing pools in maternity hospitals, and singing sessions for pregnant women. After his hospital career he was involved in home birth.

 
Drawing from the fields of surgical oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, epigenetics, and counseling psychology, this article delves into the generational impacts of experiences.