This book is a collection of essays on the topic of pre-, peri- and post-natal issues that are traumatising for the infant. Professor Franz Ruppert is the editor of the book and contributes three essays. The other 16 essays are written by practitioners who work with his theories and method, bringing their own particular interest and expertise to understanding this subject of early trauma. Covering a range of issues from the influence of the attitude of the mother and father towards the unborn child, the 'unwanted' child, inability to get pregnant, IVF, miscarriages and stillbirths, abortion, adoption, pre- and post-natal depression, attachment failure, marital violence and so on, this book provides a rich resource of thinking, ideas and research. The early life of the infant, from conception on, will be the most important therapeutic exploration and consideration of our time, having far-reaching effect on who we are as individuals and as a species, and how we think about our development into the future. This is an exciting book. Ruppert has drawn together some extraordinary writing, informative and compelling.