Abstract

DE FREITAS, Andréa Leão Leonardo-Pereira  and  LAZZARINI, Eliana Rigotto. Trauma and prematurity: what to do in face of the unexpected birth of a baby?. Est. Inter. Psicol. [online]. 2020, vol.11, n.3, pp. 138-152. ISSN 2236-6407.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5433/2236-6407.2020v11n3p138.

This paper proposes a theoretical study on premature birth as a traumatic event for the baby and his family, especially for the mother, who can also be considered a premature mother. First, we are going to talk about trauma in the specific context of premature birth. The birth trauma will be presented as an environmental failure, which is related to the lack of provision of maternal care, essential in the stage of absolute dependence. Then, we will point out possibilities for early intervention, in order to avoid crystallization of pain and psychological suffering caused by early birth. Individual or group psychoanalytic work, as well as literature and the Kangaroo Method are mentioned as ways for mothers to outline what is real, unspeakable and traumatic, in order to establish an affective bond with their child.

Keywords : prematurity; trauma; psychanalysis.

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