Prenatal Broken Bonds: Trauma, Dissociation and the Calming Womb Model

The Calming Womb Family Therapy Model (CWFTM) uses EMDR to process maternal unresolved trauma, transference reactions to the baby, and more.

Article Abstract

“Maternal (Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1996) bonding during pregnancy is associated with positive infant attachment, whereas unresolved, dissociated trauma, chronic affect dysregulation, and obstetric complications during pregnancy seem to alter the bonding experience often resulting in broken bonds. The Calming Womb Family Therapy Model (CWFTM) is a comprehensive, collaborative, team-based, early intervention approach which is intended for treating mothers and their babies from conception through the first year after birth. This model builds a strong early bond between mother-child from the point of conception, which nurtures secure post birthing infant attachment. Its basis is from Murray Bowen’s family approach that understands families as interconnected systems with potential for intergenerational trauma transmission, and Selma Fraiberg’s psychoeducational and psychodynamic work with mothers, and infants to resolve traumatic transferences to their babies while enhancing the mothers’ infant developmental knowledge. The CWFTM expands Fraiberg’s work back to conception to strengthen the bond between the mother-baby dyad, and treats the baby in utero as a family participant. CWFTM uses Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to process maternal unresolved trauma, transference reactions to the baby, and coordinates services with the pregnant mother’s medical teams, social supports, and involved family members. The ultimate goal of the model is to assess and treat dissociated trauma and grief of the mothers’ past, facilitating strong bonds and attunement between mothers and their babies.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Cortizo, R. (2020). Prenatal broken bonds: Trauma, dissociation and the calming womb model. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 22(1), 1-10. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2021.1834300