NYS-AIMH presents
Supporting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Before the baby is even born!
The prenatal period has so much potential, yet there’s a lot that can get in the way. Not everyone is excited about being pregnant or feels ready to become a parent. And past experiences have an impact: In the US and globally, one in five women has a history of childhood maltreatment, including sexual abuse. Childbearing is not always a joyful choice.
We will focus on:
- We will explore the various influences of culture and society on the childbearing year and how these influence the developing relationship between parent and child, beginning with the relationship formed in pregnancy.
- Will look specifically at interventions that have been developed to address social determinants of health, caregiver mental health, and promote “good enough” parenting.
- Guided self-care activities
- Strategize in real time on provided case examples
This workshop is for Home Visitors, healthcare providers, Early Learning Professionals, childcare providers, child welfare professionals, Early Intervention practitioners, Mental Health therapists, and more…All are welcome!
Meet our Presenters:
Mickey Sperlich, PhD, MSW, MA, CPM. Mickey Sperlich is an assistant professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, a midwife with decades of experience, and a researcher who studies the effects of trauma and mental health challenges on women’s childbearing and postpartum experiences and outcomes. She became interested in research in order to better understand the needs of her midwifery clients who were trauma survivors. Her first research project culminated in the book Survivor Moms: Women’s Stories of Birthing, Mothering and Healing after Sexual Abuse, which was named the 2008 Book of the Year by the America College of Nurse Midwives. Mickey has taken part in several trauma-focused perinatal studies and is co-author of a psychosocial intervention for pregnant survivors of abuse, the “Survivor Moms’ Companion.” She completed her PhD with a dual title in Social Work and Infant Mental Health at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, in 2014.
Adair Finucane, MSW. Adair Finucane is healer’s healer. Using her training as a social worker, yoga educator, Ayurvedic wellness coach, and trauma researcher, Adair helps human service and medical professionals, change-makers, and healers of all types recover from and prevent burnout. Learn more about Adair and her offerings at www.withadair.com, and follow her on Instagram at @with_adair.
DayatraAmber Hassan. DayatraAmber is an Artist, Educator, & Holistic Practitioner who resides in Buffalo, NY. She applies a delicate blend of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the Arts, Astrology, Metaphysics, Restorative, Trauma Informed Principles & Holistic Healing to her practice. DayatraAmber is a creator and facilitators of Radical Self-Love Workshop and hosts a podcast and video series, The Purple Couch with DayatraAmber.
