ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a slightly modified type of infant observation method used in the neonatal intensive care unit and the link between observations of the infant, discusses with parents, and staff. It explores in a very subtle way of the development of emotional communication in the infant. The chapter illustrates how the role of highly detailed infant observation can have sometimes in assisting parents especially mothers in focusing on difficult and unknown aspects of their relationship to the baby and their infant's development. It offers an important learning experience about how the conditions for life, development and object relations unfold, and in situations of extreme pain and fear what may be lost and what can be held onto. After observations of premature infants, readings on the monitors showed that the oxygen saturation had significantly improved as they felt held in the observer's gaze.
