Depressed Moms Topic

The Institute for Child and Family Development will hold a full-day conference November 14, 2008, entitled ‘How Maternal Depression Affects Babies and Young Children.’ Program presenters are well-known, published experts in their field: Dr. Gerard Costa and Dr. Andres Pumariega. The conference will be held at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center.  Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation is the Speaker Sponsor for the conference.  Crayola has provided additional support. The full-day program is $150. Act 48 credits and CEUs are available.

It is not uncommon for mothers to experience depression soon after childbirth and during the first year of the baby’s life. Early identification and treatment of maternal depression is important for mother, baby, and family. Major depression in the postpartum period is a significant public health concern that poses risk to the quality of the mother-infant relationship during a critical period for the development of attachment. Inadequate attachment or failure to attach is associated with developmental delay, behavior issues, and other challenges in infants and young children, which adversely affect learning.

The prevalence, symptoms, and risks associated with postpartum depression and the impact on maternal functioning, mother-infant and family relationships, and consequences for child development and subsequent psychopathology will be described and explored in this conference. Presenters will discuss strategies for early screening and identification of postpartum depression, as well as assessment and treatment approaches for supporting positive family relationships, emotions, attention, and behavior regulation in young children.

The Institute for Child and Family Development is run by Community Services for Children, provider of Head Start and other early education programs and services. For additional information or to register, please call 610-432-7300.