Infant Mental Health Awareness Week took place from the 12th – 19th June and this year’s theme was ‘Bonding With Bump’.
When we talk about Infant Mental Health, we talk about the bonds and attachments that babies have with others. These relationships set them up for life.
Early relationships between babies and their parents or care givers are incredibly important. In the first 1001 days (from pregnancy to 2 years old) baby’s brains go through a period of rapid growth and development.
Contact with bump can be a good first step towards Infant Mental Health. A baby’s first sense that they develop is touch, therefore it can be good for you or your loved ones to touch your bump to let baby know you are there. Your touch can help baby to feel safe and secure.
By 24 weeks, babies have developed their hearing. Talking or signing to bump can be a great way for baby to recognise your voice and to get to know you.
There are many ways in which Home-Start Glasgow South work with families to support Infant Mental Health from bump to birth and beyond. Home-Start Glasgow South also fully supports the Infant Pledge released by the Scottish Government as part of their new Best Practice Guidelines (more information can be found here). This Infant Pledge can be found in each of our group spaces.
Our Mums n Bumps Group on Monday mornings encourages pregnant mums to attend both before and after birth. This can not only help positive bonding with bump and baby, but also help to build new friendships with other mums in the area.
Our Dad’s Antenatal, which is held monthly in the New Victoria Hospital, helps to prepare new dads for birth, while supporting mum and bump through the birthing journey.
Our 1-1 and volunteer family support enables us to visit families in their own home, again helping new or expectant mums or dads through challenges or unknowns they may be facing.
If you would like any more information on Infant Mental Health, visit the Parent Infant Foundation Website here.
Publish on: 21/06/23
Photo by Arteida MjESHTRI on Unsplash
