Umbilical Affect [eBook]

All babies develop substantial relationships with their umbilical cord and the term “Umbilical Affect” (originated by Francis Mott and elaborated upon by Frank Lake) is used to describe the many effects that the umbilical cord and its contents have upon the baby. The term encompasses how the effects make the baby feel, and how the baby expresses its feelings. A successful implantation results in the development of the umbilical cord and the placenta–the baby’s lifeline: its food supply, its way of excreting, its oxygen supply, its communication line, receiving information about the moods, and even the personal experiences of the mother, and in turn signalling to the mother. It is the baby’s “periscope” to the world, and the placenta, like the tree of life, feeds the baby at the literal and symbolic level.