As a developmental psychologist specialized in the domain of pregnancy and delivery, I conducted a research on the development of a specific child and their mother to objectively reflect on theories and research highlighting positive and negative forces on development. Charlee Lynn, the child of Jessica Lynn, since birth, came out a healthy newborn and, even now, at the age of two and a half months, seems to continue to show signs of a physically, emotionally, socially and mentally healthy infant. With the help of the data I collected throughout an interview with Jessica Lynn, a significant developmental psychology book and two notable research articles, I was able to successfully write a report that links the data gathered to specific scientific …show more content…
“Prior to my delivery, I never really liked the idea of using medication to aid the process of giving birth. I remembered being told during a conversation with co-workers that doing so could possibly harm the baby”, said Lynn, while asked about the prenatal she was given. Considering her response and what was explained by Shaffer, Kipp, Wood, and Wiloughby on the perinatal environment (2013, ch.5, p.140-161), I think I can safely infer that what Lynn was told was accurate. Mothers who receive large amounts of anesthesia, for example, are often less sensitive to uterine contractions and do not push effectively. As a result, their babies may have to be pulled from the birth canal with obstetrical forceps (a device that resembles a pair of salad tongs) or a vacuum extractor (a plastic suction cup attached to the baby's head). Unfortunately, in a small number of cases, applying these devices to a baby's soft skull can cause cranial bleeding and brain damage (p.143). Thus, her decision to not take any medications during delivery was quite smart of her, taking in consideration that research reveals that there are many benefits to natural and prepared childbirths. Mothers who have more knowledge, training, confidence and more positive attitude toward the whole birth experience and in their ability to …show more content…
With that being the case, I made sure to ask Lynn to describe the bond or attachment that she had with her child in his early years of life: “Our bond was very heartwarming. It was so strong that she only felt comfortable in my arms. Every time I wanted to introduce and hand her to a close friend or someone she wasn't familiar with, she'd cry out loud until she got back into my arms” specified Lynn. Given those circumstances, I was able to deduce that the bond they shared was a “secure attachment”. Secure attachment is the infant-caregiver bond in which the child welcomes contact with a close companion and uses this person as a secure base from which to explore the environment (p.279). Subsequently, it has been reported in an article that holding your infant securely, smiling and talking to them are few of many ways to build a secure attachment that will guarantee that they will grow up loyal, generous and loving (A. S., 2009). Hence, qualities that you may take for granted in adult relationships (empathy, understanding, love, and the ability to be responsive to others) are first learned in infancy and becomes the