The mental health of disabled infants and their mothers. Does this interest you?

mhbabysmallPeter Limbrick writes: When a baby is born with disabilities, whether physical, intellectual or sensory, or with a multifaceted condition, there are many factors threatening the mental health of the baby, mother, father and other close family members.

These risks to mental health begin in hospital and are likely to continue during the first months and preschool years when the growing infant is at home and receiving support from health, therapy, social and education services based in the community.

It appears to me that good practice that effectively reduces these risks factors is rare in the UK and other countries. A family is very fortunate if there is an enlightened service available to them locally. The vast majority of families are not so lucky.

Interconnections is developing work in this area and is interested to hear from people in the UK with a relevant qualification who feel passionately about this issue and are able to take on some freelance work. There is room for this new work to be influenced by the experience, interests and abilities of new people. The work will be based in the UK and will focus on babies and infants up the age of 3 or 4 years.

If this interests you, please send your thoughts and a summarised cv in confidence to me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please see: 

Some concerns about the mental health of disabled babies and their mothers. Are we helping or hindering? By Peter Limbrick