The Transition to Motherhood: Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Motherhood is a unique transitional period in adulthood accompanied by distinct changes in the mind and brain. Although psychoanalytic and neuroscientific theory employ different levels of abstraction and methodology, there could be value in considering the synergy between the two fields for understanding this critical transitional period for women. Here, we review this literature and present a joint model of the neurobiological and psychic reorganization that might occur to support motherhood. Our approach highlights the value of considering multiple perspectives theoretically, as well as clinically, given the insight of neuroscience and psychoanalysis to the development and refinement of parenting interventions.

KEYWORDS:

• Motherhood
• maternal experience
• psychoanalysis
• neuroscience

Funding

This work was supported by CONACyT (Mexico) and the Anna Freud Centre (UK) Yale Bridge Programme.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CONACyT (Mexico) and the Anna Freud Centre (UK) Yale Bridge Programme.

Notes on contributors

Mariana von Mohr

Mariana von Mohr, MSc is a PhD candidate at University College London. She holds an MSc in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology with the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, University College London and the Yale Child Study Center. Her PhD is funded by CONACyT.

Linda C. Mayes

Linda C. Mayes, MD is Arnold Gesell Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology and Chair at Yale Child Study Center. She is Special Advisor to the Dean, Yale School of Medicine, and a Distinguished Visiting Professor in Psychology at Sewanee: The University of the South.

Helena J. V. Rutherford

Helena J.V. Rutherford, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Yale Child Study Center and Deputy Course Director and Course Tutor, Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MRes, University College London and Yale Child Study Center.