Investigations about the ways in which early mental functions in the fetus and the baby originate and how these latter affects the construction of psychic functions –and therefore a complete development of the individual, both psychically and psychosomatically. The first psychic structures develop in the primary experiences (conveyed through the body) of the mother in the environmental context before, during and after birth (pregnant mother-fetus/ mother-baby relationships). In these relational and environmental vicissitudes, possible abnormalities in the development of the baby may occur.
Research in this field has some clinical application. It is necessary to plan the most suitable psychological and social health assistance, so as to ensure an optimal development of the baby as well as to provide the required support to the parents-to-be in order for them be able to carry out their parental function. This kind of service could be available to pregnant women, mothers, parental couple, and social-health staff assisting in birth and infancy (midwives, nurses, social workers, neonatologists, pediatricians) in order for them to be trained and supported to perform their work most effectively. Perinatal Clinical Psychology Services should be set up.
Other useful information may be found in the “Perinatal Psychology Section” of Psychomedia Review (an on-line journal), edited by Antonio Imbasciati. This section is coordinated by Dr. Anna Della Vedova and Francesca Dabrassi available for any requests for information, reports, comments, papers submission.