A study of the mother and father's internal world during the first four months of their premature baby's life. It also explains the baby's situation and the effects on staff. Most important are the implications of handling the parents of premature infants in a way that will counter the trauma they have suffered and give them and their child a better start in life. The book provides information on emotional care for both parent and infant, and is rich in clinical material. It contains information from 216 first-hand interviews with parents, and expresses theoretical constructs from many professionals.