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A consideration of the possible influence of pre-natal and birth experiences on neurotic manifestations. Mrs. Garley inquires whether all neurotic reactions except those associated with inherited predisposition may not be re-enactments of pre-natal pleasure states or of the birth experience itself. Arguing from the fact that six-month babies are fully developed and that premature children who survive are just as intelligent as full-time babies, she infers that the intelligence centres of a foetus from six and a half months to full time are receptive to psychic impressions which must have a strong pleasure tone. She assumes further that birth experiences must leave an equally strong psychic imprint. She enumerates general points of contrast between pre- and post-natal existence, a contrast which, she holds, must give rise to psychic shock. The most important factors are loss of freedom during birth, pressure especially on the head giving rise to pain, strong visual, auditory and tactile stimuli, sudden use of respiratory, circulatory, heat-regulating, alimentary and excretory systems, unpleasant taste impressions and a feeling of uncertainty.
The process of birth is then considered in detail, emphasis being laid on the nature of the mechanical obstructions, the resultant pressure on the head during moulding and the consequent pain. Mrs. Garley thinks that children at whose birth version has been adopted are easy to handle, healthy, strong and contented. The influence of forceps-delivery is considered