Guest Author - Ellen Winick

There is growing evidence of the impact of the emotional life of the pregnant mother on her baby. Stress and emotional upset before birth have been linked to illness in the baby. In one study, a visual of the baby in-utero reveals flinching and trembling as the mother and father engage in an argument. We also are aware that stress, prior to getting pregnant, can impact a couple’s ability to conceive.

There is a new branch of psychology called “Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology” which addresses the emotional life of the unborn baby. If you would like to learn more about this area, you can access information from The Association for Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health (APPAH) at www.birthpsychology.com. Thomas R. Verny, M.D. is one of the leading experts in this area. He has written many powerful books including: “Pre-Parenting: Nurturing Your Child From Conception” and “The Secret Life of the Unborn Child”.

What we are beginning to see, is the impact of the emotions of the mother and father on the baby prior to conception. We know that babies who are not wanted (e.g. mother’s consider an abortion) develop more psychological problems later in life. There are many stories of mothers and fathers who accurately predict what their child will be like even before he or she is conceived. (For examples of these stories, go to: www.birthpsychology.com/lifebefore/concept.html).

My husband and I wanted our daughter to feel peaceful and to be loved and accepted. When she was conceived, we were both feeling that for ourselves, for each other and for our child. And, it is no surprise that she reflects all those things. On the other hand, when our son was conceived, we were a bit more spontaneous and carried away by the energy of the moment. How fitting that our son is strong and energetic with a will of his own and a deep intuitive sense. When he thinks the time is right for this or that, he is adamant about moving forward, regardless of whether or not there is a plan.

As you move toward conception, you may want to visualize what it is that you would like to impart to your child. And, you may imagine welcoming a child who has those characteristics. It is also important to allow the baby to have a part in the conception and to make room for what he or she wants to come through.