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Abstract

Evidence is accumulating of the importance of the earliest years as the foundation of later good social, emotional and cognitive development. Attachment research and theory has moved from describing a good relationship as a comfort when a child is stressed to recognition that this secure base is the springboard which allows children to explore and learn safely. This facilitates the capacity to be independent while remaining connected. The core of this may lie in the childâ??s developing capacity to manage their emotional containment. However, evidence is also accumulating that these processes begin even in utero. Brain structure and functions are uniquely permeable in pregnancy and the first two years of life. Emotional containment, self-esteem and confidence, faculties centred on the development of the pre-frontal cortex are developed on the basis of fetal programming and early experience. Stress in pregnancy can lead to smaller babies, premature delivery and poorer structure and function of the brain. Mellow Parenting has developed programmes targeting parents under stress from the antenatal period onwards to help them manage their own stress ad provide the most nurturing and stimulating environment for their babies. This presentation will discuss the recruitment to parents, the methods of intervention and outcomes of the progammes, illustrated with video from parents and practitioners.

Biography