Early emotional care for mothers and infants.

The experiences of most child health professionals give them only partial insight into the complex emotional and behavioral changes brought on by maternity. This article describes an approach to clinical management and emotional care based on the principles of birth as an opportunity for reorganization and changes; the meeting of the mother's "real" and "imagined" infants; appreciation of the infant's strengths; and development of a therapeutic alliance with the mother. Central to this process is the creation of a safe holding environment for the mother, especially mothers of preterm infants.