The postnatal period from birth through to the first year of life is a challenging period for mothers, infants and the family. Maternal sleep disturbance is common with two-thirds of mothers reporting worse sleep quality, frequent night awakenings, an increase in daytime napping and greater sleep irregularity compared to women without children. The first year of life is also a period of significant risk for mothers to develop mental health problems, especially postnatal depression (PND) which occurs in almost 1 in 5 mothers. Untreated PND can lead to chronic depression. Sleep disturbance is ubiquitous in depression, with poor sleep typically preceding mental health symptoms. Current child and family healthcare practices routinely assess for psychosocial risks and screen for PND in the early postpartum period, but maternal sleep disturbance is often overlooked. This webinar will address this gap and provide the latest research findings, along with assessment and treatment options.

Speakers

Dr Liora Kempler is a psychologist who treats people with insomnia, parasomnias and other sleep disorders, anxiety and depression and specialises in sleep interventions for mothers and babies during the perinatal period. Dr Kempler conducted one of the largest randomised controlled trials using a novel sleep intervention for first-time mothers to manage sleep during the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. Dr Kempler will be discussing maternal and infant sleep trajectories, sleep disturbances and pre-natal maternal sleep interventions. 

Associate Professor Jane Kohlhoff is a clinical psychologist in the University of NSW School of Psychiatry and is a Karitane Research Fellow. Associate Professor Kohlhoff research specialises in clinical-focussed and translational research in perinatal, infant and early childhood mental health. She has developed a number of innovative parenting programs focussing on early interventions for children and families. Associate Professor Jane Kohlhoff will discuss maternal and infant mental health and the family unit. 

This webinar will be Chaired by Associate Professor Christopher Gordon moderating a discussion with Liora and Jane about the management of maternal and infant sleep and mental health. 

Key Takeaways

1. Better understanding of maternal and infant sleep patterns through the first year.
2. Differentiate the bidirectional links between depression and sleep disturbance. 
3. Use evidence-based assessment and management pathways for improving maternal and infant sleep and mental health.

Who would benefit from attending webinar:

Child and Family Health Nurses, Midwives, Psychologists, Primary care health care professionals, Others (pharmacists, allied health care professionals) who come into contact with mothers and babies in the first year of life.

This webinar is free for everyone, but registration is required. To register you will need to log in with your member details, or create an account on this website if you’re not a member.

Please note

• Registrations will close two hours before the webinar starts and you will not be able to register after that.
• We will email you the webinar access details after you register and again a few hours before the webinar commences.

Attendees will automatically receive 1 CPD hour credit and a certificate through the ASA Learning Centre. Inquiries about this meeting should be directed to Kristen Ellard.

Date: Monday 4th September 2023 
Time: 6:00pm Queensland, NSW ACT Tasmania and Victoria 
           5:30pm SA  
           4:00pm WA 
           8:00pm NZ