Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
12 – 18 June 2023
Bonding Before Birth
What is Infant Mental Health?
Infant Mental Health is the term often used to describe the ability of a child during the first three years of life to:
- form close relationships;
- recognise and express emotions; and
- explore and learn about their environment
The infant brain is developing rapidly during these early years and children develop, grow and thrive in nurturing environments. This critical development between 0-3 years also includes the antenatal period.
Why is it Important?
It is recognised that early childhood experience has a significant impact on later health and societal outcomes. Therefore, improving long-term outcomes begins with ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.
Infant Mental Health is everyone’s business!
Everyday Interactions
This all sounds like a huge responsibility but it is the small, everyday interactions with babies and infants that make the biggest difference! Parents and carers can offer comfort, eye contact, smiles, repeated words and praise, in response.
Parental emotional wellbeing
Pregnancy and early parenthood can be challenging and exhausting! Self-compassion and self-care are important when expectations are not met. If struggling with persistent low mood and feelings speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor.
The theme this year for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is Bonding Before Birth. Keep an eye on our social media pages throughout the week for more information.
For more information please contact:
Child Development Interventions Coordinator
Health Improvement Team
Health.improvement@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Further support information:
Free access to Solihull Approach antenatal course Getting Ready for Baby: https://inourplace.heiapply.com/online-learning/ Use access code: NIBABIES
Infant Mental Health Framework for Northern Ireland: www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/infant-mental-health-framework-northern-ireland
Infant Mental Health Strategy for the Belfast Trust Area: Belfast-Trust-Infant-Mental-Health-Strategy-2020-2025 (7).pdf (belfasttrust.local)
AWARE_Guide_to_looking_after_the__Mental_health_of_you_and_your__baby_002.pdf (aware-ni.org)
Evidence Based Parenting Programmes www.cypsp.hscni.net/ebpp