Treatment for perinatal disturbance

Abstract

The perinatal period of transition to parenthood is one of heightened passions, which revive the expectant and new parents' own early experiences, and particularly unresolved emotional issues. For many deprived parents close contact with an infant reactivates old grievances at this time of vulnerability, which may manifest in syndromes of self-pity or in fury and vengefulness over past humiliations. Unprocessed dissatisfactions tend to erupt in disruptive or repetitious behaviours, which inevitably affect the baby in their care.