Summer 2024

This issue of the Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (JOPPPAH) offers a deeper understanding of the science and experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Through these studies and reflections from contributors around the world, we continue to expand and illuminate the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology and health.

Our first article, “Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships and Perceived Support in Postpartum Couples,” by Saul McLeod et al., examines the intricate dynamics of support within couples as they transition to parenthood. Their findings suggest that securely attached mothers tend to feel more aligned with the support they receive, highlighting the importance of attachment security in fostering a supportive environment for new parents.

In “Examination of the Effects of Physical Activity on Perceived Stress During Pregnancy,” Marciniak et al. explore the relationship between physical activity and stress levels among pregnant women. Their study reveals nuanced insights into the different coping strategies employed by physically active versus inactive participants, emphasizing the need for specialized psychological assessments tailored to the unique context of pregnancy.

Astrid Sofie Saragosa’s article, “Understanding the Impact of Childbirth: Postnatal Stress Symptoms in Psychologically Stable Mothers,” delves into the emotional aftermath of childbirth. Her research underscores that even psychologically stable mothers can experience significant postnatal stress and depressive symptoms. Saragosa’s work advocates for routine screening and early psychological intervention to mitigate the emotional toll of childbirth on maternal mental health.

In “A Story of Skin and Bones,” Karlton Terry explores the profound impact of the birth process on newborns’ physical and emotional experiences. Through introducing the Birth Mask Reveal (BMR) method, Terry challenges us to recognize and empathize with the lasting imprints of birth trauma on infants, urging us to expand our understanding of the birth experience.

Antonio Madrid’s article, “Bonding Treatment for Childhood Asthma,” presents a compelling approach to treating childhood asthma by addressing disruptions in maternal-infant bonding. Through detailed case studies, Madrid demonstrates how Bonding Therapy can significantly improve or even resolve asthma symptoms, underscoring the critical role of early relational experiences in physical health.

In “Prenatal Memory Therapy—Wonder Baby Therapy: Dialogue with Wonder Baby,” Kumiko Ito delves into the consciousness of the unborn child and the importance of healing prenatal memories. Ito’s work invites us to reconsider the prenatal period as a critical time for nurturing and healing, with profound implications for both mother and child’s lifelong health and happiness.

Stephanie Cloutman reviews Greer Kirshenbaum’s book The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health Through the Art of Nurtured Parenting. Kirshenbaum’s book underscores the transformative power of nurtured parenting, providing practical strategies rooted in neuroscience to establish a strong foundation for a child’s mental health from the beginning of life.

In this issue, we also honor the life and legacy of Penny Simkin, a pioneer in the birthing community. Penny’s tireless advocacy for emotional support during childbirth and her efforts to integrate doulas into the birthing team have forever changed the landscape of maternal care. Her work has left an indelible mark on how we understand and approach childbirth today.

As we reflect on the advancements in our field, it is with profound gratitude and utmost respect that we announce the retirement of our founding editor, Thomas Verny, MD, from JOPPPAH’s editorial board. Dr. Verny has been a guiding force in its development for over four decades. His visionary leadership and dedication have helped to shape the journal into what it is today. We wish him the very best and are committed to continuing his legacy as we explore and expand the frontiers of prenatal and perinatal psychology and health.

Christiana Rebelle, PhD
Editor-in-Chief