My instinctive response to you is YES...trauma in infancy is very real. I started a new post this morning (before I found your post!) asking if anyone else had experienced trauma as a baby due to medical intervention. I was born two months premature in 1959 -- spent my first three months in an incubator and an Isolette; was resuscitated; had many necessary interventions, etc. The environment of a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) is one of constant alarm -- bright lights, beeps, constant necessary invasions --> feeding tubes, IVs, etc. --

I recently found two marvelous books that have helped me to make sense of my trauma. The first is called The Trauma Spectrum, by Robert Scaer -- there is a chapter on preverbal trauma, as well as an excellent overview of how trauma marks the brain and central nervous system. The second book is called A General Theory of Love, by Thomas Lewis, et. al. It is both practical and poetic -- a brilliant read. Both contain complex information and theories that can be challenging to get through...but are so worth it.

I, too, couldn't stand to be touched on my head for years. Infants' skulls are not fully calcified at birth and are extremely sensitive. In therapy, I came to crave a firm and containing touch -- my therapist would place her hands on the sides of my head and apply gentle pressure...and I learned to stay in my body. I still love to be held firmly and securely

Yes, yes, yes...your experience is real; your trauma was real. Trust your body and instincts.

In healing -- Roo.