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Freud_Burlingham_1943_War_and_Children_k_text

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The same feelings can also be expressed in acompletely different manner. We have a FreeFrench baby, who entered the nursery at theage of ten weeks. Her parents visit regularlyonce a week <strong>and</strong> nearly always together. Theyleanover the child's cot, h<strong>and</strong>le her delicately<strong>and</strong> adoringly, somehow afraid to touch herexcept in the most gentle manner. Now, thatthe baby is ten months old, her mother has acertain way of sitting on a chair with the babyon her lap facing the father who often feedsher in that position. Also this worshipping attitudeof the parents surely makes some lastingimpression on the child.Anyway this possessive h<strong>and</strong>ling as well asthe adoring one certainly goes far in outweighingthe comparatively unemotional, even <strong>and</strong>gentle treatment which the children receivefrom the nurses who take care of them.Ambivalence towards BabiesAll baby-mothers mentioned so far are verymotherly types,possessive, affectionate, sure ofthemselves <strong>and</strong> in no way torn by conflictingemotions in regard to their babies. But thereare other mothers who, in contrast to them showthe well known signs of double feelings towardstheir children.A good example of this type is S<strong>and</strong>y's motherwho brought the baby to us when she was170

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