Being discovered by the M/Other

This paper delves into the intricate early stages of development through the unique perspective of experiences. It draws on a diverse range of disciplines, such as embryology, psychology, and philosophy, as well as the realms of imagination and metaphor, to seek a deeper understanding of this period. Building on Emerson and Tery’s concept of the impact of pregnancy discovery on the fetus/embryo (1980, 2006), this paper emphasizes the shared nature of experience between the mother and the fetus/embryo. It claims that the process of being discovered by the m/other, can be characterized by the potential for both development and change as well as the potential for trauma. The interplay between the mother and embryo, the known and unknown, the temptation to arise versus dismissal and isolation are all central themes.