ABSTRACT
The presence of an arriving infant can captivate or enchant all those present. Being captivated by this presence produces tremendous courage, especially in the mother so she can provide her infant with the best help. When people open their minds and hearts to the profound mystery of new human life, to the moment of birth, to the majesty and marvel of a birth, they can experience exactly when the Hebrews described an infant as a channel of spiritual meaning and strength. Depending on how parents welcome and offer a nurturing sustaining environment, the baby will be able to reorganise and achieve a return to equilibrium. The human infant is the most socially influenced creature on earth; the adult that interacts with an infant is undergoing the most influential experience s/he may have during her/his life. Advances in neuroscience provide more evidence of the significance of relationality in and around birth.
