Journals

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.

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.