Parents Under Pressure

Trauma Informed Care

Why the first three years decide so much

An infant’s brain develops through interaction. Consistent, attuned care in the first 1,000 days builds the neural architecture for emotional regulation, learning and relationships. Disrupted or frightening care in the same window does the opposite.

What this means in practice

Infant mental health work is almost never work with the infant alone. It is work with the relationship – supporting a parent to read and respond to their baby, often while that parent is managing their own history, poverty, isolation or a live child protection concern.

Our position

Our 2023-2026 strategy commits us to becoming national leaders in the promotion of infant mental health. That means direct service through our Parent and Infant Unit, research and evaluation, training for other professionals, and contribution to policy.

Infant Mental Health

Why the first three years decide so much

An infant’s brain develops through interaction. Consistent, attuned care in the first 1,000 days builds the neural architecture for emotional regulation, learning and relationships. Disrupted or frightening care in the same window does the opposite.

What this means in practice

Infant mental health work is almost never work with the infant alone. It is work with the relationship – supporting a parent to read and respond to their baby, often while that parent is managing their own history, poverty, isolation or a live child protection concern.

Our position

Our 2023-2026 strategy commits us to becoming national leaders in the promotion of infant mental health. That means direct service through our Parent and Infant Unit, research and evaluation, training for other professionals, and contribution to policy.