# data[].attributes.body
I have learnt about the importance of infant observations through these selected readings. Its given me a broader perspective on my own current practices with children, and the need to observe more without constructing or formulating a reason as to why they behave the way they do.

# data[].attributes.body
What struck me most about delving further into infant observations is how vital it is for the observer to be aware of their own attachment style and behaviours. The attachment dance between primary caregiver and infant will be unique of course but the type of relationship that will emerge will fall into one of the attachment styles.
Throughout the Salo reading I noted the concept of the observer as the container and this wasn't something I had entirely considered before. I was always very aware of the therapist creating the sense of containment but indeed, in an infant observation, there are many people and responses to be contained.

# data[].attributes.body
Such interesting reads, sadly I couldn't read them all. The way the observe feels is so important which I would have never thought about when going into this unit. The way we observe is so important. The hardest part I think will be not being able to write any notes during the observation. To store all that information is going to be tricky.

# data[].attributes.headline
Thoughts and feelings on undertaking an infant observation

# data[].attributes.subject
Thoughts and feelings on undertaking an infant observation

# data[].attributes.body
I found the videos and readings very interesting and made so many connections during my recent experience. I have been very lucky to have become a grandmother in recent weeks and was a support person for my daughter in the birthing suite. I loving look, touch, talk and hold my grandson with  new fresh knowledge, deeper than what I had with my own children.  I watch the first interactions with his mother, father and the world. What resonates is that even in the very minutes of being born  he was alert and curious. He was interacting with and responding to his environment and his caregivers.  Its amazing what you notice when you know about secure attachment and attunement and know what to look for!

# data[].attributes.body
I found the readings very interesting. There would no doubt be some very awkward and confronting moments during the observations. I appreciated how the exercise sets observers up with a mode of insight and awareness of the baby's perspective that would be difficult to gain by any other method. It is also interesting that observers are not to take notes during the session, serving the notion of being in the moment and also improving awareness and memory. I can see that it would be a challenge to capture the observations in a way that remains free of inferences and judgements. It's a good way to bring in an awareness of developmental contexts and how they play a part in behaviours further down the track. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. :) AndyB_PMQ

# data[].attributes.body
16 years of working in early childhood education has seen me take A LOT of observations across all ages from 0-6
And with those observations come interpretations of development, safety, security and attachment - particularly this time of the year as a new group of children settles into the classroom.

I’m thankful that we don’t have to do the in home observations with newborns, the teacher (and mandatory reporter) in me would have a very difficult time in not making suggestions ( or making reports) with some of the examples in the readings.

Note to self - remove teacher hat…

Erin :)

# data[].attributes.body
The reading materials are well selected to give me a broad understanding of what infant observation is.

It reminds me to be careful when observing an infant, how complicated the interaction between different relationship in the process make me excited to try

# data[].attributes.body
As a primary and early childhood teacher, I am familiar with making observations of children, however, this has been from a different perspective. As I come to making my own observations, I am acutely aware that I will need to be conscious of the lens I am applying when making my observations and not switch into 'teacher mode'.
I have also seen comments made by others discussing their curiosity on their ability to not 'jump in'. This is a skill I have learnt to do only when necessary, so stepping back 100% will also be new for me.

# data[].attributes.body
I found it really interesting reading the examples of the infant observations. Also looking at how many factors and variables come into play, not when making observations but when reading the observations itself, and noticing what the observer is picking up THEN making conclusions after what they've noted. It's interesting to note as well, the role of the father in majority of observations and other family roles i.e. grandmother and other children.

# data[].attributes.body
So this is the third time I have placed something on this board. I can't help but feel I am waiting my time. I have gotten a lot out of the material but can not keep coming back to place something on the board as I will never move on.

# data[].attributes.body
As an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) I am familiar and comfortable in documenting and record observations of children. In my previous experience I have had most experience documenting observations for children from 2-5 years and therefore have limited experience in observing children birth-2 years.

Reflecting on the content this week something I thought about is my position in observation and how I am a part of it and need to sit back and look at the holistic observation of what is before me. In my previous experience I have always been able to engage and interact in observations and extend on what is occurring. This new way of observation is something I have not done before and will be working toward throughout this unit.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading through the content in week 1, it is extremely interesting! In particular, the emphasis in many of the readings is the impact that observations have on the observer and the emotions that it 'stirs up'.

I am also extremely interested to see how I handle just 'sitting back' and not inteferring during the observations. After my experiences working as an Early Childhood educator in a childcare setting, as an AuPair and now as a Social Worker... if I see a need I am one to naturally 'jump into action'.... so I am keen to see how I personally respond to this during the observations!

- Hayley C

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
My guys at 21 days old in the NICU (born just shy of 33 weeks)

# data[].attributes.body
My initial thoughts about infant observation is both exciting and scary. It's such a powerful skill to be able to sit in a room as an observer trying to remember all the tiny little details to record later; to watches patterns and relationships form. After watching Belonging, I'm excited to continue doing infant observations and hone my skills.

One of the things that really stuck with me was concept of the "third position" and being aware of your own feelings while seeing other points of view, too. I had a lot of memories surface when reading about the NICU observations and thinking about the internal versus the external. When I read how Millie was often looking for an object to hold on to, I instantly thought of this picture and how my two would always have some kind of contact with the other one, usually holding hands. Prior to all this I just thought it was cute but now I'm thinking differently about the experience.

# data[].attributes.body
I am already thinking about my own feelings about infants, and the small likelihood of becoming a birthing parent myself, in general and how it might influence my observations! Ultimately I am super interested and excited by what I might discover!

# data[].attributes.body
I love taking observations as part of my teaching work and generally feel confident in doing so. This new way of considering observation is exciting and confronting.
My focus as I have read through everything has been to understand what parts of my current practice and experience I can draw on and how naturalistic infant observation differs.
I work so hard to take the 'feels' out of it! I only write what I see. However on reflection I do often experience intuition/emotional insight which I act upon in my relationship building (not written obs.) and it is hugely beneficial in my teaching, so how wonderful that it can be part of this process. I found the explanation of the three aspects of 'receptivity' (Houzel, 1999, as cited in Sternberg, 2005) to be helpful in understanding the extension.
I'm comfortable with writing after the event, we often do this in my team now so we remain present with the children while teaching. I liken the idea of the 'seminar' to our team planning sessions where we all share our observations and perspectives then collate/write. I am wary of doing it alone as I definitely remember and reflect more effectively with others.
Being able to observe distress without intervening is a challenging task for me, although I do understand how it would change my role as observer. I have worked on this within emotion coaching - not jumping to solve problems or distract children to 'happy' but to sit next to them in negative emotions so they can experience moving through them and learning strategies themselves. I think this could be true for a mother and/or child with crying or low level stress.
Discussion on how infant observation creates understandings about non-verbal communication and parent/child relationships holding high value working with older children (Bick & Briggs, 2002. p. 37) led me to think of times in my work with 3/4s where families have opened up with significant very early development information. Each time has helped strengthen the relationship and aid my deeper understanding of the child.
Sorry - long reflection! Obviously I am really enjoying thinking about it - time to try my first observation - good luck everyone :)
Nic Moffat

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the material the notion that resonated most with me is the impact the process can have on the observer and the emotions that can be 'stirred' within us. Hence the importance of continuing to work on oneself through personal therapy and reflection. I guess then comes the question; how do we record facts when one of the readings talks about the fact that "observations are never neutral" as they are clouded by our assumptions, values and experiences.
The part I also find challenging is the being passive and not active as an observer. The educator in me would like to use my observations, analyse them and then think about where too next.

# data[].attributes.body
I was struck by the ethical dilemma of the situation described in which observations of a mother/infant where the mother had depression/PND. I wonder about how you could ethically navigate this situation and how difficult it would be to stay in the role of observer and not try to take action to support mother/caregiver and baby.

# data[].attributes.body
I am super excited to start practicing infant observation and have gained good insight into the importance of the observer. I think it will be challenging to just sit an observe without comment and note taking as I am a fixer and like to take notes on everything but it is something I hope to overcome with practice. I am able to practice this in my day to day life and work which will be great to continue to build on my skills.

# data[].attributes.body
While reading about infant observation the part that i connected with the most was the feelings of the observer. As a person who does intervention and implements therapeutic strategies with children and parents, i remember my first months in the role. I had only previously worked with families in a classroom setting and the feelings described by several of the observers around feeling anxious when the infant presented with anxiety or distress where very familiar, when you are working in someones home you are privileged to see what their daily life and routines may be like, and working with a wide variety of families meant that I did observe some interactions that made me uncomfortable (not referring to abuse or neglect). For example when working with a 5 year old boy who was presenting with behaviours that may indicate a sensory processing disorder (sensory profiler was completed),  I observed his parents both become frustrated with him when the realised how much he was moving around and became more frustrated when he was not able to stop himself from moving, fidgeting and rocking. The situation had the added complexity of being conducted through and interpreter. Although I had attempted to explain movement seeking behaviours and how we could use resources that allow the movement input needed by the child but allow them to focus and participate in activities, the parents were still frustrated with the child and would still just ask him to stop moving.
The youngest child on my case load currently is 2 years of age, so my reflection is thinking of an older child.
I have also been reflecting on how difficult i may find it to take on a more passive role when working with families, this is not the nature of the work that i do currently and i imagine that this would feel quite uncomfortable for me. I do regularly conduct one-off observation in Long Daycare, Kindergarten and Schools and at these times I try to remain unseen by the child when possible to better observe the child without my presence skewing the observation. I am excited to continue learning more and I am interested to begin the observation task.

# data[].attributes.body
It was interesting to learn about the infant observations and the role we play as observers. I see the importance of taking notes afterwards so that our full attention is on the child. It was a good reminder reading about observers noticing their our own feelings that are bought up in the session. I think I could easily get caught up in the child/family interactions and forget to be present in the moment and mindful of my own thoughts/feelings. I haven't watched the documentary 'Becoming: Three infants Observed' so it is next on my watch list!
Katherine

# data[].attributes.body
As I worked through the readings on Attachment Theory and infant observation, I initially felt like it was written in another language. It seemed to take a long time for me to get through. When I got to Susan Ried's writing on Bion's concept of containment (page 2), I began to understand the role of the observer and how this, in turn, underpins the practice of psychotherapy. It was then that I began to really enjoy the readings.
I think it is a great lesson to practice "emptying" oneself at the beginning of an observation and to start developing this skill at the beginning of the unit. I felt that the readings gave me a practical focus for me to work on when beginning the infant observations.
The huge depth of insight that comes from infant observation is compelling and I'm excited by the idea that "each observation is a small research study in its own right: stirring and challenging the observer intellectually and emotionally". (Reid, S, 1997. page 6)
Theresa

# data[].attributes.body
When reading through through the material I enjoyed gaining a clear understanding of the process and why we are undertaking this task. During our webinar I was perplexed by the own experience part, and the emphasis placed on this. I have a clear understanding regarding the reason for this. I have been reflecting upon my need to "step in" and assist when there are comfortable feelings and anxieties observed the intense emotions that can be felt and how to sit with these feelings. At times I am faced with this in my work. I can already see how the skills learnt through this task, can be applied to my current role. Reflecting on the experience, integration and making sense of it.

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with some of my peers in that it would be hard to not jot down any notes about the observation. During my placements us students would be told to make observations and make notes as you go while simultaneously engaging with the children in their activities. But I feel as though just making an observation without notes and not much interaction directly with the child, mother and surrounding family, would be beneficial as upon reflection we would remember anything major or interested worth jotting down.
I am looking forward to practicing my observations in this new way and hopping it evokes new ideas and reflections.

# data[].attributes.body
I am really enjoying the reading.  The fact that this 'simple' task ('just' observing) can then be a predictor of success as a clinician  is both is so obvious yet so surprising!
I have found some of the texts easy to read, and some hard.
I think its because I am not used to the language, so I am having to re-read sentences multiple times for it to make sense (or I get distracted - hello youtube!).

I have done the first observation too - and I found it surprising how much I have to say on the topic.  Initially 1000 words felt like a lot, but considering its approx 75 words per theme per observation - I am now working out what to remove!

I think it would be an amazing experience to do a full infant observation - with the observation seminars to really look at (supported by a mentor) the observers own thought processes.

The observations have highlighted to me how often adults miss communication cues from infants (and children). And I am grateful for the awareness this has brought me.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a partial reflection - I still have some reading I would like to do, and set aside the time to watch the Becoming: Three infants observed video.
It has been interesting reading about infant observation, as it is something that I have been doing for years unofficially. I love watching infants and their interactions with people and the world around them. To know that some of the things I have been noticing are part of infant observation in this context is helpful. I hadn't considered that my own reactions were important too though, nor the way a mother might dress (although judgy me has often noticed marked differences between how a child is presented, versus the mother, and it was only after having another baby that I realised I was being too judgy - I can leave the house with both of us looking presentable and return home with my daughter looking like she hasn't bathed or changed in a week).
Sometimes it is difficult to switch off my personal feelings - I'm a little clucky, it's a problem - but at the same time, I often find it difficult to switch off the analysing side.
Reading through the observations has set my mind at ease with the style though. It's a lot like the assessment task I did in my Creative Non-Fiction unit last year. We had to conduct an interview to capture the essence of a person, so less about what they do and more about who they are in that time and place, their expressions, their interactions and reactions. I chose to observe the tattoo artist who gave me my first tattoo...I was already getting the tattoo, but it would have been cool to say I'd do anything for my craft.
I have attached a video (hopefully it works) of my youngest and I when she was around a month old. My middle child (15 at the time) filmed me reading General Relativity for Babies, and I remember at the time finding it adorable how my baby was looking at me. Watching it now, after doing the readings, I see so much more in our interactions (as well as the beginnings of packing to move) and it reinforces the idea that reading to and interacting with babies is beneficial to their social and emotional development.
I am eager to start the infant observation readings and viewings!

# data[].attributes.body
I've enjoyed reading about infant observation... I found it challenging to put aside my personal feelings and views during some of the examples and was quite surprised at how quick I was to form my own judgements... I felt quite confronted by this and it definitely highlights the importance of consciously putting aside my own views and feelings (including my professional knowledge about child development and also personal experience as a mother) and just seeing "what is to be seen and not look for what I think should be there". Being aware of my feelings and not to let these distort my observations.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Kate,
Unfortunately some of the readings did not load for me, so I will do the best I can commenting my thoughts.
I liked reading Reid, S. (1997) particularly the parts about the 'state of mind', the projections of 'abuse' when the mother was feeding the baby and how this could be seen as 'intergenerational' and then how the financial factors and stresses of the parents, could be interrupting the child's emotional development and attachment security. I find overall emotional transference and mental projection in the psychology fields, fascinating. From personal experiences, I find the intergenerational trends and how abuse can be related to this, fascinating also.
Thank you for reading.

# data[].attributes.body
I have really enjoyed reading more about the background of infant observations.
I found myself thinking, "will my observations be good enough? What if I miss something valuable?" Such an interesting self-reflection already!
I am looking forward to undertaking observations, as I am really interested in human thought, development, behaviour etc. The readings really highlighted the importance of observing without note-taking in the observation space, which does scare me a little to be honest. However, I do understand why this is the method of observation. "... See what there is to be seen...not look for what they think should be there." (Reid, 1997, page 2).
I'm really looking forward to undertaking observations.

# data[].attributes.body
After watching the video of the 3 month old baby I felt like there was something wrong with me. I couldn’t write a response on the padlet because my feelings were so multi-layered and complex, I couldn’t put them into words. I was thinking about myself as a mother, I was thinking about myself as a baby, I was thinking about my sibling. I was all over the place.

After completing the readings I’m beginning to understand why ‘all students have difficulty with infant observation.’ I am absolutely fascinated by the role of infant observation in psychotherapy training in general, and the role of the observer in particular.

I look forward to developing the grace of ‘standing still and being receptive in the midst of painful feelings and general mayhem’ a space I find I occupy both in the classroom and in the home. If I could be still, and receptive, while experiencing sometimes painful feelings in the swirl of general mayhem I think all around me would benefit!

I see where the hours of personal therapy are so essential for the heart of this learning.

I really enjoyed this module, Kate, it was a bit like peeling the onion and I look forward to learning more. Lyndal

# data[].attributes.body
The process of Infant Observations was brand new to me and I love the idea of it.
Some of the quotes that really popped for me were "enter the child's experience and be there beside them", "see what is there to be seen".
The latter really enforced to me the importance of not making assumptions and not to look for what I think should be there but to just see and feel what IS there.
The idea of containment really resonated with me. In my role as a Child Life Therapist, most of my work is about containing children and their families during challenges hospital experiences. I liked the idea that even though I can't change the situation for them... I can make them FEEL better about the situation and help them cope and feel differently towards it and help them approach the problem in a different way that leads to a more positive experience.
The idea of 'waiting for a meaning to emerge' is quite powerful. I think at times we are too quite to make conclusions and I really like how this practise allows for time to reveal a pattern.
The reading about observation of premature babies helped me to better understand the importance of supporting parents while their baby is in the NICU. This environment is over whelming not only for the baby but for their parents. Parent education about how they can help their baby develop a sense of self and relate to the world is imperative. Child Life Therapy don't service NICU at the moment but it is definitely an area that could use the support.
In regards to writing notes after the infant observation session... what are your thoughts about voice recording notes and then typing them out?
Carlie A
I really enjoyed this Module... Thanks Kate.

# data[].attributes.body
As mentioned by some of the others not taking notes will be difficult but I am really looking forward to developing and cultivating that skill. I love how infant observations is as much about learning about yourself as it is about observing development and an infants world and interactions. I already have some practice with this as I was a supporter with lifeline where I have had calls that were triggering personally for one reason or another, including instances of relating to the caller or sympathizing with third parties, feeling helpless at someone else distress or wanting to give advice where I wasn't allowed. Being able to manage and separate yourself and find coping mechanisms is really important. In that situation we also had group sessions where we would share how the calls had affected us and unpack why and how we may approach similar situations in the future or how we may care for ourselves after the fact. Working out adaptive coping mechanisms in such situations is such a useful skill and transfers to so many areas.

# data[].attributes.body
I love the idea of the observation process.  And can see how important it is to someone who will be working in the role of therapist - in understanding and relating to the child and mother.

The observation also bought up a lot for me about my own parenting. Did I give my child this kind of attention? Did I adequately repair our relationship after a rupture?

# data[].attributes.body
I watched the documentary on the 3 infants in South Africa that were observed for the first year of their life. I found this so interesting for many reasons, one being that I grew up in South Africa and therefore could somewhat picture the 3 different environments that these babies were growing up in. This bought up the first lot of emotions for me.
While I was watching this documentary I found myself smiling at certain interactions between baby and another person, feeling sad for a baby in other situation and even feeling worried and nervous in some situations. This highlighted that the biggest challenge for me, during an observation would be not intervening if baby was crying or about to be knocked on the head by a sibling!
After reading the content for Module 1 and then watching this video, I found I was thinking about what I had read and connecting it to the interactions in this video, as the observer.
I cant wait to see the infant observations for Assessment 1, I think its going to be a very interesting assignment!
I don't think I'll be able to watch another interaction between a baby and parent/sibling without noticing the exchanges/smiles and reflecting on how it makes me:) Would highly recommend watching this documentary - hopefully others find it as interesting as I did.
Megan

# data[].attributes.body
Looking forward to practicing taking infant observations. One challenge that I identified for myself is not taking notes during the observation. In my current role with older children I jot down notes so not to miss anything.

# data[].attributes.body
I am intrigued by Margaret Rustin's discussion with colleagues (2001) which states 'people do reveal a good deal about themselves in doing the observation'.  After adding my ob's to the previous padlet, I am keen to learn what I observed says about me as a trainee in this field?  The book Infant Observation at the hearts of training referred to the Kleinian theory/approach - I am also interested to hear more about this approach. - Tania Harrington

# data[].attributes.body
I was at first shocked but then pleased with the content and information supplied. I am looking forward to learning more. It really did make me reflect about motherhood and what my roll was in the birth and upbringing of our children (I have three with the youngest approaching 20 fast. No so much a score card review but the actual process. Thank you Tony.

# data[].attributes.body
When reading about undertaking infant observation I can foresee myself encountering three main challenges: 1) I anticipate recording in depth transcripts of infant observations to be challenging when not being able to take notes until after the observations have unfolded. I fear missing out on recalling crucial details of interaction or lacking accuracy and authenticity in the sequence of events as they unfolded. 2) Is putting my current early childhood professional identity aside and seeing the mother/infant dyad with a beginner's mind requiring of me to 'unlearn' my understanding and knowledge of child development? To be expected to develop a mindset of 'not knowing' and observing while keeping my subjectivity in check seem to me  a challenging and slightly unnerving proposition. 3)I immediately related to the potential of transference and countertransference when undertaking such infant observation: This is such as intimate level of observation, that I could easily see myself subconsciously associating my past personal experiences of being a mother of two infants and responding with feelings and thoughts associated / connected to my original experience of motherhood rather than seeing the particular unfolding moment on its own merit.