LIVE Class

Can We Talk About Fetal Consciousness?

with Nadja Reissland
Monday, 23 November 2026 at 19h UK time
Prenatal sentience is a fundamental premise of pre- and perinatal psychology. The fact that the earliest stages of life affect us in the way that is apparent in PPN practice is testimony to some, albeit difficult to define, consciousness.

From the scientific perspective, the question is whether fetal consciousness can be empirically assessed - or if it remains primarily a philosophical construct. Professor Nadja Reissland (Durham University UK) is a developmental psychologist specialising in fetal development. She has conducted research specifically in the area of fetal consciousness and will share an overview of her findings in this class.

Through lecture and visuals, Nadja will explore how consciousness can be defined in terms of awareness, cognition and volition and in how far self‐directed fetal movements, behavioural responses to external stimuli, and systematic changes in fetal facial expressions following specific sensory inputs point towards the presence of elements of conscious states.

In this class John Wilks explores the history and uses of suction, vacuum extraction and ventouse and examines the implications for postnatal treatment approaches for both mum and baby.

John has been practising the Bowen Technique and Craniosacral Therapy full time since 1995. He is the author of four books on complementary therapies and developed a specialised Craniosacral training course for midwives which was the first of its kind to be accredited by the Royal College of Midwives.

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  • Beginner/Intermediate
  • Lecture/Presentation
  • 60 minute class
  • life time access to recording

Learning outcomes

  • Gain an understanding of what consciousness is in the context of developmental research
  • Learn how empirical data are gathered in assessing fetal consciousness
  • Find out about pointers towards fetal consciousness discovered through current scientific means

who can this benefit

  • Professionals working with pregnant families and babies
  • Anyone interested in fetal consciousness
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Meet Our Presenter
Patrick Jones - Course author

Nadja Reissland

Developmental Psychologist
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