Infant Mental Health Awareness Week - #IMHAW2023 - runs from 12-18 June.
The week provides an opportunity for everyone working in the sector to raise awareness of the importance of babies' social and emotional development, and to share work they are doing.
The theme this year is #BondingBeforeBirth.
Key messages from The Parent-Infant Foundation:
- Two thirds of pregnant women in their survey said that no one discussed bonding with baby and the importance of emotional attachment with them during their pregnancy
- Severe untreated anxiety or depression in pregnancy is associated with higher rates of mental health conditions in children
High caseloads of professionals such as midwives mean they have limited time to talk about this with expectant parents – so our role as peer supporters is very important. The more we can do to help expectant parents to bond with their babies the better.
If you'd like to take part in Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 and would like more information, please download the Parent-Infant Foundation's Comms pack.