Inhalt
Fertility and its associated disturbances form an endless theme with constant new perspectives, which exclude sexual desire. More and more couples are taking advantage of medically assisted procreation. However, technical fertilization interferes with our genetically inborn preconception of procreation through sexual intercourse. Furthermore, the natural female relationship with the pregnant state may be undermined by the clinical setting. Based upon the bonding analysis which Hungarian psychoanalysts, Hidas and Raffai, developed as an therapeutic method for mothers and their unborn babies, I have transposed this method into the period before fertilization and introduced it into the technical fertilization process, calling it “Expanded Mother-Embryo-Dialogue”. Somatically, it increases the chances of pregnancy. Psychically, it serves to foster an empathic relationship with the embryo from the outset. It supports the early establishment of Winnicott’s primary maternal preoccupation. Surprisingly, the relationship with the embryo seems to provide an antidote to the temporarily interrupted libido and sexual partnership. The latest studies of psychoneuroimmunology have shown that we are able to actively influence our immune system through psychological interventions. Through the Mother-Embryo-Dialogue biology is translated into intrapsychic life through language, by training the mother in a dialogue with her potential baby. Said dialogue represents a transitional space as developed by Winnicott. It is as if the awaited embryo is an esteemed guest to be lovingly welcomed into the womb. Thus clinical fertilization is transformed from a two-dimensional transaction into a warm organic relationship between mother and child. Once the prospective baby is placed by the doctor inside the mother, it needs her active, loving involvement to live and thrive. Clinical illustrations will be provided, which describe the working through in therapy of traumatically induced fixations