From Conception to Connection: Relational Health in the Perinatal Period and Infancy

The perinatal and infancy periods are times of increased biological, psychological and social risk for mental health challenges in families. At the same time, they are also sensitive periods for growth, resilience and a prime window for early interventions that can have lasting positive impacts. This conference aims to support professionals who work with families during these critical stages by providing them with the latest evidence, tools and resources to advance perinatal-infant mental health integrated care. It also serves as a dynamic forum for the exchange of innovative ideas and collaboration across disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, social work, obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatology and other related fields.

A critical knowledge gap exists for clinicians and trainees in perinatal and infant mental health, as these fields are often siloed both educationally and clinically. This fragmentation creates barriers to comprehensive, integrated care, despite growing recognition of the profound impact of these life stages and the intricate, reciprocal connection between parent and child that extends beyond biology.

By focusing on relational health during the perinatal period, this conference highlights not only the challenges but also the strengths and opportunities for growth and resilience in parents, infants and families. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, it seeks to bridge existing gaps, enhance clinical expertise and promote holistic, evidence-based approaches to care—advancing perinatal-infant mental health integrated care during this crucial window for intervention.

Program:

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Orientation

Importance of Integration and Relationships in Perinatal Mental Health
Soudabeh Givrad, M.D., Amalia Londoño Tobón, M.D., Misty Richards, M.D.

10:15 AM - 11:15 PM
Keynote Presentation

Promoting Attachment and Mentalizing During the Transition to Parenthood: Minding the Baby
Arietta Slade, Ph.D.

11:15 AM - 11:20 AM
Bio Break

11:20 AM - 12:05 PM
Patient Panel (Moderator: Misty Richards, MD)

Lived Experiences in Perinatal Mental Health
Limary Lorenzo, Xochitl Carlos Mendez, Milena Pastreich

12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
Lunch/Bio Break

12:20 PM - 1:05 PM
Clinician Reflective Discussion Panel (Moderator: Soudabeh Givrad, M.D.)

Lived Experiences of Doing Dyadic Psychotherapy
Talia Hatzor, PhD; Gloria Castro, PhD

1:05 PM - 1:10 PM
Bio Break

1:10 PM - 1:55 PM

Integrating Perinatal and Infant Psychiatry in Clinical Practice (Moderator: Amalia Londoño Tobón, M.D.)
Sheehan Fisher, Ph.D., Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, Julianna Fineli, M.D.

1:55 PM - 2:20 PM

Improving Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Internationally
Alexandra Harrison, M.D.

2:20 PM- 2:45 PM

Reducing the Impact of Toxic Stress on Premature Infants
Connie Lillas, RN, MFT, Ph.D.

2:45 PM - 3 PM
Bio Break

3 PM - 4 PM
Keynote Presentation

Healing Across Generations: Promoting an Infant Mental Health Perspective in the Context of Perinatal Care
Maria Muzik, M.D.

4 PM- 4:10 PM
Closing Remarks

4:15 PM -5:15 PM
Perinatal-Infant Mental Health (PIM) Network Post-conference Get Together, hosted by George Washington University Medical Center (different Zoom link)

Soudabeh Givrad, M.D. (Weill Cornell Medicine)

Amalia Londoño Tobón, M.D., IMH-E® Mentor (Georgetown University Medical Center)

Misty Richards, M.D., M.S., DFAACAP (UCLA Department of Psychiatry) 

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• May 6, 2023 | Separation and Connection in an Everchanging World: Understanding the Experiences of Parents and Babies
• May 18, 2024 | Holding in Healing: An Examination of the Experiences of Parents, Infants, and Clinicians in High-Risk Perinatal Settings