This is a tradition where birth is viewed as part of a continuum within each individual life and its full cycle of integration of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual development, of growth through relationship, and of connection with the environment. Tibetans believe that the quality of each life affects all future life. Birth marks a new start, linked to all the lives and relationships that went before it. Fundamental values in a Tibetan heritage are transmitted in ritual and practices through seven stages of birthcare, from before conception through conception, gestation, birthing, bonding, infancy and early childhood, intended to prepare consciousness for later spiritual initiation, community action, and the ongoing cycle of parenting. Tibetan birth ways emphasize the strength and dignity of women and the participation of the father and other family and community members.
Primary value is accorded to inner experience, innate wisdom and the immediacy of the sacred.
Vivid illustrations abound. 18 Adrian Raine, D.Phil. This study tested the biosocial interaction hypothesis that birth complications when combined with early maternal rejection of the infant predispose to adult violent crime. A significant interaction between birth complications and early maternal rejection indicated that those who suffered both birth complications and early child rejection were most likely to become violent offenders in adulthood. The effect was specific to violence and was not observed for nonviolent criminal offending.