Lectures cost £30 each and will take place at the following times:

*To enable access to the widest possible audience these lectures are planned to be delivered live, but remotely, as webinars. Where we are able, a recording will be made available to all booked delegates although we encourage live attendance wherever possible.

These lectures will be delivered remotely using Zoom. You will need a device with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use this test link (https://zoom.us/test) to check your set up before booking.

You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the lecture date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us at CPDEvents@tavi-port.ac.uk to discuss how we can best help you.

15 July 2025

Lecturer: Smita Hanciles

The interrelationship between infant feeding and perinatal mental health

Synopsis: There are complex relationships between infant feeding and perinatal mental health. When a mother wants to breastfeed and it is going well, this can be protective of mothers’ and babies’ mental health. However, challenges around feeding can be a trigger for mental health problems. Sometimes breastfeeding can trigger strong reactions even in those who want to breastfeed in the case of D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex) and Breastfeeding Aversion both of which can sometimes be mistaken for depression.  Drawing on case studies, this talk will explore the extent to which breastfeeding and infant feeding support plays a role in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing and the benefits of an inter-professional approach. 

There will be some video material shown with permission from the patient.

This lecture will be recorded.

21 October 2025

Lecturer: Monika Celebi

A Friendly Mirror – Strengthening Parent Infant Relationships using Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) and Watch Wait Wonder (WWW)

Synopsis: Monika Celebi will discuss the relational application of Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) and the transformative potential of visual images when combined with a curious reflective stance. She will show examples from Baby Bonding groups in the community and from her work with individual parent-infant dyads, who experience mild to moderate depression or anxiety. Monika will also reflect on the use of VIG as an adjunctive intervention with parents facing more severe mental health challenges, such as recovery from psychosis or clinical depression.

This lecture will be recorded.

18 November 2025

Lecturer: Natasha Baker

Supporting infant feeding in women with severe mental illness

Synopsis: Infant feeding in the context of severe mental illness (SMI) is complex and there are several reasons why breastfeeding can be more challenging for women with SMI. Due to a paucity of evidence in this area, little is known about how best to support infant feeding in women with SMI.

This lecture will examine the existing literature, using the findings from my recent systematic review to highlight gaps in evidence. I will also present the findings from a mixed methods study carried out as part of my PhD. This study aimed to explore the infant feeding outcomes and support needs of women accessing secondary mental health services in the perinatal period. We will look at the unique clinical challenges and future direction of research and practice in this area.

Alongside my research career, my clinical experience as a midwife provides me with an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and complexities of supporting infant feeding in women with SMI. I will conclude the lecture by sharing case studies from my infant feeding support service offered to women cared for by SLaM (South London & Maudsley) perinatal community teams. This lecture provides an opportunity to explore more about how infant feeding can impact the mental health of women with SMI, and takes an depth look at research and clinical practice in this area.

This lecture will be recorded.