The Intersection of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

Thursday, December 2nd, 2021
AAIMH Monthly Webinar Meeting
12:00-1:00 pm

Webinar Title:

The Intersection of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health


Webinar Description: 

In this webinar, the importance of understanding perinatal mental health and its impact on infant mental health will be emphasized. We now know that new parents and caregivers are experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma during pregnancy and postpartum since the start of the pandemic, and many of them are suffering from little to no support.  When we address perinatal mental health we are impacting the caregiver and infant relationship through improved physiological connection and parental emotional responsiveness towards the infant. Examples of this will be explored. The process of co-regulation and the importance of attachment will be discussed, along with practical tools which parents or caregivers can use to prioritize safety, self-regulation, and connection.

 There is an important physiological phenomenon which occurs at the intersection of perinatal mental health and infant mental health. One should not take place over the other. Instead, the needs of the infant and the parents should be prioritized and supported simultaneously.  This presentation will be useful for parents and caregivers, as well as care providers who support families during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.

Presenter:

Kelsie Hammons, LCSW

Kelsie is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and specializes in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). She is a psychotherapist with a heart for supporting people through their reproductive years while they navigate the ups and downs of pre-parenting, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.

Outside of her role as a therapist,  she is a mother and serves on the board for Postpartum Support International - Arkansas Chapter. She is committed to building community within the fields of perinatal and Infant mental health with providers across the state with the mission to expand resources to Arkansas families who need them most.

Click Here to Watch a Recording of the Presentation

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  
Attendance is limited!  Register and log on early to reserve your spot!