O artigo apresenta o método Bick de observação da relação mãe-bebê como uma ferramenta clínica a partir do relato de uma experiência de aplicação à investigação psicanalítica da relação mãe-bebê com síndrome de Down. Discutimos o potencial terapêutico do método, baseado na função continente do observador. O caso apresentado evidencia a postura empática da observadora que, por meio de uma atitude silenciosa e sutil, oferece um holding para a condição de desamparo vivida pela mãe.

O artigo apresenta uma discussão sobre o potencial do método Bick de observação de bebês como método de pesquisa. Desenvolvemos uma descrição do método desde a sua criação, buscando possíveis aproximações com a clínica e com a pesquisa. Além disso, discutimos os aspectos éticos do método Bick de observação aplicado à pesquisa. O método Bick de observação tem conquistado cada vez mais reconhecimento, sendo aplicado à pesquisa, em função de seu potencial de gerar novas idéias e contribuir com discussões teóricas no âmbito da Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e, sobretudo, da Psicanálise.

This paper discusses certain challenges in the observer's journey throughout the three stages of the Bick method of infant observation (observation, written report and seminar group discussion), with special emphasis on writing. One of the biggest challenges of writing, in this context, is communicating something which was experienced in a predominantly sensory and solitary way. The observer finds him or herself exposed to a series of sensations that emerge again at the stage of the written report, and which are shared with the seminar group. In this journey, we could consider a fourth, optional stage in the method Á the publication of the observational material for research purposes. As in the second stage, once again, the observer is confronted with the challenge of writing and communicating an experience. It is relevant to note that the challenge of writing is present throughout the observer's journey, especially when this writing needs to be published.

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This paper, which is based on observations of women in labour in the obstetric centre of a public hospital, describes the challenges for mothers, as well as for the observer, who enters the 'sacred place', a place where verbalisation has no meaning. We hope to show that perhaps the greatest challenge for the observer is to reconnect with the helplessness which accompanies human beings from the beginning to the end of life. In childbirth, we suggest, the experience of both physical and emotional regression psychically challenges most women to the limit. The paper draws on previous experience of applying Bick's infant observation method and on Winnicott's theory of primitive emotional development. The paper assumes that the mother's primitive psychic and physical experiences during labour and delivery reflect a state of regression which develops during pregnancy and continues for some time after delivery. This is assumed to enable the mother to connect with her baby and his state of helplessness.

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Creating a space for more than one child is a challenge for the mother that already has other children at a pre-school age. The present case study was carried out based on a research application of the Bick method of infant observation. The baby and his family were observed weekly, for 12 months. He belonged to a family, consisting of a mother, a father and their four boys, a baby and three siblings aged two, three, and four years old. The mother gradually created a space for welcoming the observer as well as the baby. The observer?s countertransference reactions were essential and the receptiveness of the observer enabled the mother to use her for expressing her feelings albeit silently.

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