mother as PCG

What does the NHS recommend for infants during the first 6 months of their lives?

Infants should be breast-fed for the first 6 months as it offers the healthiest start in protecting them from infections and diseases.

How can breastfeeding impact the bond between mother and baby?

Breastfeeding can enhance and build a strong emotional bond which is essential for future development.

What are Freud's psychosexual stages related to infancy?

Freud proposed five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.

What might result from a fixation during the oral stage according to Freud?

A fixation during the oral stage may lead to personality traits such as pessimism and sarcasm.

What research did Bowlby conduct regarding mother-infant separation?

Bowlby studied 44 thieves and found those separated from their mothers at a young age showed signs of the affectionless character.

What did Bowlby suggest about the bond between mother and baby?

Bowlby suggested the emotional relationship between mother and baby acts as a template for all future relationships.

How did Bowlby compare the mother-baby bond in terms of importance?

Bowlby described the bond between mother and baby as being as important as vitamins for physical health.

What are the social implications of the recommendation for breastfeeding?

If babies are to be breastfed for the first 6 months, then mothers should potentially be given at least 6 months maternity leave.

What ethical concern is raised regarding the expectation for mothers to breastfeed?

The demand for mothers to breastfeed for 6 months can enhance post-natal depression and cause psychological harm.

Why might fathers feel inadequacy concerning caregiving roles?

Fathers may feel less important or that they have no place in caregiving due to the focus on mothers as primary caregivers.