Some of the strongest biological imprints occur around the time of conception, pregnancy and birth. Imprints that will affect us throughout the rest of our lives. How we relate to one another in emotional relationships through our attachment styles is learned through how we were received during our birth. Studies related to the 2003 Human Genome Project have proven that experiences in the womb, at birth and during early childhood have profound affect on one’s long term physical, emotional and mental health. All nervous system function: brain & nervous system development, immune system strength, learning capacity, stress coping strategies, emotional stability and physical coordination; are all experience dependent. The sequence of development is laid out genetically but the early environment is the major contributor to how well the systems work. Optimal development occurs when the timely resolution of early trauma results in secure attachment between parents and children; because, secure attachment provides the base for a healthy life with healthy relationships. How we are met at birth and feeling secure throughout that process of being born has the ability to give us great resilience!
To better simply the terms: early experiences shape the development of the brain and nervous system. From conception to the age of 3, many neural pathways are formed, laying down patterns in the relational areas of the brain. This is the foundation for bonding and attachment.
Memories and styles of relationship are woven into your body. They are like ‘imprints’ in your nervous system and continue to affect your behavior, relationships, self-esteem and expectations, as well as your physical and emotional wellbeing.
The ideal situation for any newborn is for a child to feel nurtured, loved, accepted and affirmed. Where there has been stress, upset or poor bonding, resulting imprints may make it difficult for a person, in adulthood, to manage stress or to fully enter into relationship.
To relate this to birth choices:
This understanding of neurobiology and birth is one of the biggest educational pieces greatly missing in the field of Obstetrics. The chemical imprint from the use of medical induction methods when not medically necessary has a direct impact of the newborns longterm neurobiological health.
Research indicates that midwives and their practice are influenced by space and place and that midwives practice differently in different places. It is possible that one mechanism through which space and place influence midwifery practice is via neurobiological responses such as the production and release of oxytocin, which can be triggered by experiences and perceptions of the physical environment.Through its role as a trigger for oxytocin release, the birth environment may play a direct role in the provision of quality midwifery care.
ß 2013 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Australia (a division of Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd). All rights reserved.
