Stacy Blythe
Western Sydney University, Australia
Title: Promoting infant mental health in infants who experience prenatal substance exposure
Biography
Biography: Stacy Blythe
Abstract
Infant Mental Health is based on the understanding that the infant period of development lays the foundation for psychological, emotional and social development. The concept of attachment is fundamental to infant mental health. Loosely defined, attachment refers to an affective relationship between the infant and a particular, preferred individual (usually the infant’s biological mother). It is within this primary attachment relationship that infants develop their ability to emotionally self-regulate and socially interact. There is consistent evidence that compromised or absent attachment in infancy leads to significant social, emotional and psychological sequale in adulthood. Infants who experience prenatal substance exposure often require specialised treatment and extended periods of hospitalisation. Current research and policy regarding infants with prenatal substance exposure focus on symptom relief and physiologic health. There is a scarcity of literature or reference to the importance of promoting the mental health of these infants. Social and health policy acknowledge the significance of the infant primary attachment relationship. However, in current clinical practice little is done to support or faciliate attachment for infants who are prenatally substance exposed. This is particularly problematic as often these infants have limited to no interaction with their mothers due to poor maternal health, maternal issues of addiction and/or the involvement of child protection services. This paper highlights the gaps in current policy, practice and research in relation to the mental health of infants who are prenatally substance exposed. Specifically, it highlights implications for nurses at the infant bedside and makes recommendation for future practice and research.