An Introduction to Infant Mental Health

This seminar is aimed at any practitioners who wish to acquire knowledge of infant mental health practice; and those who work with the following groups: very young children (aged 0-5); women in the perinatal period; and adults with babies and young children.

An optimal parent-child relationship has significant, long-term benefits for the developing brain of the child and their long-term mental and physical health. A positive parent-child relationship also supports the mental health and overall well-being of the parent. We know from clinical experience and research, that parent's emotional well-being is often strained by the usual tasks of parenthood.

When we develop an understanding of the importance of the parent-child relationship and work towards supporting the well-being of parents in all of our work roles; we are supporting the optimal development and well-being of the child and the parent.

Best practice in relation to perinatal and infant mental health states that such practice should be collaborative and multi-disciplinary in nature, as this supports all professionals to develop a shared language and basic understanding of perinatal and infant mental health. As such, this introductory lecture has been organised and is open to all health & disability professionals who work with small children, pregnant women and adults with small children.

This introduction to infant mental health will:

• provide an overview of what is meant by infant mental health (IMH)
• describe why early experiences matter
• explain how relationships help shape brain development
• summarise the IMH practice framework
• provide examples of practice on how the IMH framework can be applied in a variety of settings

Speakers/Organisers:

Dr Sinéad Drew, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Urogynaecology Department, CUMH

Dr Freda Wynne, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Perinatal Mental Health, CUMH

Dr Paula Hurley, Clinical Psychologist, Adult Mental Health Services, HSE

Dr Hannah O'Connor, Clinical Psychologist, Adult Mental Health Services, HSE

Dr Karen Murphy, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, HSE

Location

Room WGB 405, Western Gateway Building, UCC.

Parking

On-site parking is only available for UCC staff. However, paid visitor car parking is available on College Road and Gaol Cross.

Map link

https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/siteassets/contentassets/maps/UCC_CAMPUS_MAP_23_11.pdf

Please note Registration will be open from 9.15 with a 9.30 start.