Perspectives on Early Parenthood and Infancy

Perspectives on Early Parenthood and Infancy offers a comprehensive exploration of these vital life stages through the lenses of psychoanalysis, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and diverse socio-cultural contexts.

Chronologically structured, this edited collection traces key stages of development through a rich collection of contributions from clinicians, researchers, and academics across a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. The contributors look in turn at the milestones of conception and pregnancy to birth and the transition to parenthood, paying close attention to infancy and the early parent-infant relationship. The chapters explore pivotal themes, including the rapidly evolving landscape of assisted conception; the physical changes and psychological vulnerability experienced during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood; parents’ unconscious defence mechanisms; experiences of weaning, feeding, and sleeping; the perspectives of marginalised parents; and the vital role of cultural awareness in clinical practice. These topics are brought to life through clinical vignettes and current research findings woven throughout the book.

Presenting complex and meaningful information in an accessible way, each section of the book features integrative discussion chapters written by the editors, which deepen theoretical understanding, while providing practical tools for clinical application and academic research, making this volume a valuable resource for both practitioners and researchers, as well as parents.

Alejandra Perez is a psychoanalyst, Fellow of the British Psychoanalytical Society, and Psychoanalytic Parent-Infant Psychotherapist. Former Director of the MSc Early Child Development and Clinical Applications at UCL/Anna Freud (2012–2024), she now directs the Lab of Experiences and Adjustments in Parenthood in London, UK.

Elena Panagiotopoulou is a psychodynamic psychotherapist working with couples and individuals, as well as a mixed-methods researcher. She currently serves as Director of the MSc Early Child Development and Clinical Applications at UCL/Anna Freud, London, UK.

Ruth Roberts is an academic and mixed-methods researcher. She is a Senior Researcher in the Lab of Experiences and Adjustments in Parenthood at the Anna Freud, London, UK.