Championing infant mental health capability in paediatric care

Paediatricians are trusted entry points for families seeking mental health support. They are uniquely positioned to provide developmental assessment, early relational support, prevention and timely intervention – but this requires the right skills, structures and supports. 

In this episode, Dr Victoria Carter and Dr Anagha Jayakar explain how they are championing infant mental health through the delivery of a targeted workforce development program for junior paediatricians. As well as supporting their reflective skills, this program helps build junior paediatricians’ confidence to:  

• understand infants’ experiences 

• strengthen parent–child relationships  

• embed mental health support across health systems. 

The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure infants’ voices are centred and families have a coordinated care experience. 

• Listen now to hear how infant mental health champions can support reflective shifts in practice and make a meaningful difference for families. 

Explore our Practice strategies for infants and toddlers suite to access four free online courses for working with infants, toddlers and families.

In this episode, you will learn about:   

• how infants and toddlers communicate with their care team [1.30] 

• ways to centre infants’ experiences and invite parental reflection during consultations [5.46] 

• developmentally appropriate ways of engaging with infants, toddlers and their parents [13.01] 

• how reflective practice supports responsive, relational care [17.53] 

• PROACT mentoring skills (perspective taking, reflection, observation, analytical, communication and training skills [24.44] 

• how collaborative care strengthens advocacy for infants and families [26.43] 

This episode is part of a new series of Emerging Minds podcasts and webinars exploring ways to build and support the infant mental health workforce.