Elsie Mobbs
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Elsie Mobbs | |
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| Born | December 18, 1935 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
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| Spouse(s) | Dr Tony Mobbs |
Dr Elsie J. Mobbs was an Australian researcher and psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of early childhood development, particularly in the area of biological imprinting in mammals. Her groundbreaking work on oral tactile imprinting and its influence on breastfeeding success has had a lasting impact on our understanding of infant behavior and mother-child bonding.
Early life and education
Mobbs was born in Adelaide, South Australia on December 18, 1935 to Marion Golding and Lesley Gale. She spent much of her childhood in Waikerie. Dr Mobbs studied at Macquarie University and pursued a career in psychology and research, focusing on early childhood development and maternal-infant relationships. She gained her PhD from the Medical Faculty at the University of Sydney.
Research career
Mobbs' research career was marked by her innovative work on biological imprinting in mammals. In 1989, she became the first researcher to describe this phenomenon in detail, laying the groundwork for future studies in the field.
Contributions to imprinting research
Discovery of one teat preference
Through extensive literature reviews, Mobbs identified a consistent pattern of one teat preference across various mammalian species. This discovery suggested a universal biological mechanism underlying infant feeding behavior.
Oral tactile imprinting
Mobbs' primary research culminated in identifying that human imprinting was primarily oral and tactile in nature. She proposed that newborn infants have a sensitive period in the early hours of life during which they can orally fixate on the mother's nipple and surrounding areola, learning its tactile characteristics.
Role of Merkel cells
In her research, Mobbs highlighted the importance of Merkel cells in the buccal mucosa of infants. These specialized cells were hypothesized to provide the oral tactile recognition necessary for identifying the milking area of the breast, which was crucial for evolutionary survival.
Latchment theory
Building on her imprinting research, Mobbs developed the concept of "latchment". This term describes the first stage of emotional development in infants, based on the successful achievement of biological imprinting. Latchment represents an emotional bond between the infant and the orally imprinted object, often described as having the "mother in the mouth".
Evolutionary perspective
Mobbs' work emphasized the evolutionary significance of imprinting and latchment. She argued that these processes were crucial for infant survival, facilitating successful breastfeeding and strengthening the mother-infant bond.
Impact on breastfeeding research
Mobbs' research has had significant implications for understanding breastfeeding success and challenges. Her work suggested that displacement of the biological imprint to a decoy, such as a thumb or pacifier, could potentially lead to adverse outcomes for both mother and infant.
Legacy
Mobbs' work continues to influence research and practice in the fields of pediatrics, psychology, and lactation. Her insights into the mechanisms of imprinting and latchment have provided a foundation for understanding early infant behavior and its impact on long-term development.
The concepts she introduced, such as oral tactile imprinting and latchment, remain relevant in contemporary discussions of infant care and breastfeeding support. Her research has implications for practices surrounding early mother-infant contact and the potential risks of introducing artificial nipples or pacifiers in the early postpartum period.
Personal life
Mobbs was married to Westmead Hospital obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Tony Mobbs. Together, they presented their work at conferences around the world and contributed to the field of early childhood development. Elsie Mobbs is the mother of entrepreneur/neurosurgeon Ralph Mobbs who was the first surgeon in the world to implant a 3D printed spine part, and mother-in-law of world leading sports neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs.
References
External links
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