Journals

Abstract: This article presents the results and discussion portions of the author’s dissertation research (submitted in 2009 to the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute) that are relevant to the conversations centered in attribute development of PPN professionals. The author’s dissertation, Prenatal and Perinatal Therapists’ Experiences of the Psycho-therapeutic Alliance: A Mixed Method Exploration, investigated prenatal and perinatal therapists’ experiences of practicing therapy, exploring the unique and common areas of what it is to specialize in this therapeutic modality.

Abstract: The accepted neurological dictum is that memory resides in the cortical neurons of the brain. Evidence from studies on genetics, epigenetics, organ transplants, immunology, unicellular organisms, planarian flat worms, nano computers and clinical psychology is cited here in support of the hypothesis that memory can also be stored in all the cells of the body, not just nerve cells. The relevance of this theory to pre- and perinatal psychology is explored.

After a struggle of many decades, the true dimensions of fetal consciousness are emerging, thanks to a growing literature of firsthand reports from parents and abundant observations of life in the womb. In retrospect, scientific views of the sensory, emotional, and mental nature of prenates and newborns, grounded exclusively in a brain-matter paradigm, were grossly inadequate. A new paradigm is replacing this previous scientific view based on baby awareness and knowing.

In the 1980’s parents in large numbers were first introduced to the sensitive, perceptive, conscious, and cognitive prenate. This paper summarizes the evidence from major research findings, demonstrating that prenates are 1) sensitive and aware, 2) learn and dream, and 3) are social and communicative. Well-designed experimental programs in prenatal enrichment confirm the intelligence and receptivity of womb babies. A closing section describes the special resources now available to parents who want to deliberately enhance prenatal bonding and communication.

This exploratory study investigated the experiences of fathers upon the postnatal news that their newborn babies had been given diagnoses of Down syndrome. Thirteen fathers were interviewed about their experiences of immediate postnatal support. Participants had biological children born with Down syndrome and interacted with the western medical community regarding the child’s birth. Fathers often experienced the messengers of the news of a postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome as insensitive and pessimistic.

Abstract: Birth literature reveals many perspectives about “good birth,”  and  an investigation into a good birth is necessary because women and children are entitled to the experience that most supports their health as well as their psychological wellbeing and fulfillment. There exists a culture within maternity services of professionals working with apparently conflicting agendas, which may contribute to service user input being excluded. The objective of this study was to understand the viewpoints about “good birth” using a Q methodology approach.

Prenatal and perinatal psychology and medicine is an interdisciplinary scientific field of research and practice with the scientific focus on prenatal and perinatal conditions of human life. Prenatal period of human life represents a crucial phase in human life during which crucial developmental processes and regulations take place and these serve as adaptation strategies and physiological capabilities for the next postnatal life´s periods.

The implantation journey of the blastocyst/embryo is traced throughout its many biologic/embryologic transitions and transmutations. Possible psychological impacts that may arise from early stresses, imprints, and other experiences are discussed. The journeying blastocyst/embryo is sometimes portrayed as a protagonist in the transcript of each human being’s personal past. Events confronted and subsequent coping or survival styles during the journey are examined in reference to adult behavior patterns and belief systems.

Abstract: This study examined the subjective daily experiences of motherhood as potential opportunities for spiritual awareness and personal transformation. It explored how an enduring commitment to fostering a child through adoption, marriage or conception may lead mothers to embrace a broadened perspective in life that mirrors the core spiritual values of world religions and perennial wisdom traditions.