Clinical Commentary XIV

[The infant observation as presented here was sent ‘blind’ to three people who represent different therapeutic schools of thought. They were asked to comment in such a way as to bring out the differences between ways of thinking about infants, about this particular infant and about the task of infant observation in general - Ed]

Background to Observation

The observation family consists of Victor and Anna, an educated couple in their mid-30's both with careers in creative design, and Peter, aged 2'/_Z, a lively and bright boy. Victor works shifts, enabling him to have some daytime at home. Anna works freelance and was expecting initially to return to work about five months after the birth. The family live in a Victorian terraced house furnished inexpensively but with thought and colour. The state of the interior reflects varying degrees of jumble and serious mess as if a statement of priorities is being made. Toys and baby equipment predominate with an emphasis on educational value and creative play.

Victor was actively sharing in the childcare and was the sole carer during three visits out of the first twelve, as well as being present for some of the earlier ones following Joanne's birth when he was occupied with managing the house and Peter. He had pushed for children while Anna had hoped to put this off for longer. She thought that he was the better mother of the two. Although Anna had had a long and difficult birth with Peter, her fears of a repetition were not realised with Joanne who also proved to be an easier baby all round. Baby Joanne had blonde hair and large blue eyes like her mother and was alert and responsive.

At the first meeting I was assailed by intense feelings of discomfort at the chaos in the home and unable to take in my surroundings for the first few weeks. This lessened considerably during the first visit I had with Victor on his own. Again, I felt discomfort when Anna first breastfed when she seemed to feel anxious about showin