This book focuses on the interweaving psychic realities and unconscious dynamics between family members. These are set in the context of changing patterns of socio-cultural expectations, ethical considerations and biological realities. The broad spectrum of topics encourage self-reflective thinking about the role of health care professionals working with families at various phases of the life cycle, in illness and health. In particular, recognition of risk factors relating to areas of emotional vulnerability in clients and their impact on the practitioner. It is intended for interested parents, students on a variety of training courses and professionals such as midwives; health visitors; social workers, couple counsellors; child therapists; parent - infant or family therapists; general practice nurses and doctors, psychiatric nurses; fertility experts; obstetricians and gynaecologists, etc. working with expectant parents, babies and their families. Contributors include: Acquarone, Balint, Bick, Bion, Bourne, Brazelton, Bryan, Daws, Fraiberg, Green, Grier, Hawthorne, Hopkins, Lewis, Murray, Spitz, Trevarthen, Tronick, Winnicott, Wittenberg, Wright.