Freud_Burlingham_1943_War_and_Children_k_text

Development of the Mother-Relationship and the Effect ofSeparation from the Mother atthe Various StagesIn the relationship of the small child to itsmother there are definite main phases to bedistinguished from each other.The first phases which comprise thefirst few months of life are characteristicallyselfish and material. The young baby's Jife isgoverned by sensations of need and satisfaction,pleasure and discomfort. The mother plays apart in it insofar as she brings satisfaction andremoves discomfort. When the baby is fed,warm and comfortable, it withdraws its interestfrom the outer world and falls asleep. Whenit is hungry, cold and wet or disturbed by sensationsin its own intestines it cries for attention.It is certain that the care and attentiongiven by the mother, i.e.in a special atmosphereof affection which only the mother can supply,is more satisfactory to the baby than moreindifferent and mechanical ministrations to itsneeds.But the fact is that a baby, who at this timeof life is separated from its mother, will acceptfood and care from a mother substitute. Itsneeds are overwhelming, its helplessness is extreme,and its distinction between one personand another is still in the beginning stage.46