Survival is not guaranteed in the womb, or even beyond. Although the exact numbers are difficult to assess, researchers agree that many lives end very early, estimating 30 – 75% die in the first days before implantation (Jarvis, 2016). Every step of development involves meeting challenge (e.g., van der Wal, 2005). I remember as a […]

Many of us were born surrounded by masked faces of strangers assisting a medicalized birth. Imagine how it might be for a little one whose brain and body are geared for seeing mum’s welcoming face and feeling her warm cuddles to instead be greeted by a busy hospital room full of medical strangers. What happens […]

On one of my rare outings these days to shop, the cashier commented cheerfully, “At least we’re back to semi-normal!” I paused before responding, realising I couldn’t quite agree. If “normal” is keeping away from other people, wearing a mask, washing and sanitising your hands so many times that your skin begins to fall off, […]

How do we digest the unpalatable? In these challenging days of the 21st century, we are bombarded not only by chemically tainted food, water and air, but also by the ever-present threat of climate change, greedy businessmen and irresponsible politicians. How do we assimilate all of this without becoming ill or overwhelmingly stressed? There is […]