Highlighting the lifelong importance of infant mental health
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is highlighting the vital importance of early relationships and emotional connection during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week.
Inspired by this year’s theme of attunement, the ability to connect with another person on an emotional level, the Neonatal Unit at Antrim Area Hospital is raising awareness of how meaningful interactions between babies and their parents or caregivers help shape lifelong mental health and wellbeing.
For parents, attunement refers to the ability to notice, understand, and respond sensitively to a baby’s cues.
These early interactions, whether through touch, voice, or eye contact, form the building blocks of secure attachment and emotional development.
Explaining more, Leanne Richmond, Neonatal Clinical Sister, said: “The foundations of emotional wellbeing begin at birth. Every interaction matters, every connection counts, and every relationship shapes a future. When parents learn to recognise and respond to their baby’s cues, it helps babies feel safe, secure and loved.”
While Infant Mental Health has traditionally been incorporated into wider neonatal practices such as neurodevelopmental care and Family-Integrated Care, it is now increasingly recognised as a distinct and essential element of care.
The Neonatal Unit at Antrim Area Hospital has been at the forefront of this approach, becoming the first in Northern Ireland to receive the BLISS Baby Charter Gold Accreditation in 2025 in recognition of its commitment to high-quality, family-centred care.
A key principle of this approach is that parents are not visitors, but partners in care. Families are actively supported and encouraged to take part in decision-making and in their baby’s day-to-day care.
Leanne added: “The concept of infant mental health can sometimes raise questions, like how can a baby have mental health or we never talked about infant mental health years ago. However, infant mental health is not about diagnosing mental illness in babies. It’s about supporting healthy emotional development from the very beginning of life.
“By empowering parents to feel confident in caring for their baby, we’re helping to build strong, secure relationships that have a lasting impact.”
Within the Neonatal Unit, this is achieved through several approaches and initiatives:
- Encouraging skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care;
- Providing guidance on recognising infant cues and communication;
- Supporting shared decision-making between families and healthcare staff;
- Offering access to specialist neonatal psychological support;
- Creating opportunities for quiet bonding and interaction;
- Signposting families to resources such as BLISS publications.
The team also works closely with parents to help them navigate the emotional challenges of having a premature or unwell baby, ensuring they feel supported during what can be a vulnerable time.
“In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, the importance of these early relationships cannot be overstated,” Leanne said.
“Strong early connections help to build resilience, support social development, and lay the groundwork for lifelong emotional wellbeing.”
During Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, and all year round, the team is dedicated to encouraging greater understanding of the importance of a baby’s early experiences.
“As neonatal professionals, we recognise that parents are the most important people in their baby’s life,” Leanne added.
“Our role is to support, guide and empower them, because strong beginnings create lasting impact.”
Pictured above, Leanne Richmond, Neonatal Clinical Sister.
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11th June 2026
