World Maternal Mental Health Day conference next month

Sidra Medicine, the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) will jointly host a conference in support of World Maternal Mental Health Day (WMMHD) on May 11.

The free hybrid event is based on the theme 'Stronger Together; Supporting Women Worldwide on our Journey through Maternal Mental Health Care' and is inspired by the disparities that came to light during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the need for services to develop alongside complex and evolving patient needs.Dr Zainab Imam, acting division chief of Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine and the chair for the WMMHD conference, said: “Pregnancy, the birth of a baby, and the first year of life are exciting and life-changing experiences for a woman and her family; but for some women, this can be a time of mixed emotions, including feelings of anxiety and sadness for various reasons.”“We are aware that it is not easy for many women or their families to open up about emotional or psychosocial challenges relating to their pregnancy, whether due to fear of being judged and stigma attached to mental ill-health,” she said.“This conference facilitates an open and culturally sensitive discussion that will resonate with clinicians, women and their families.” Dr Sazgar Hamad, clinical lead for Virtual Women’s Mental Health Service, Women’s Wellness and Perinatal Services at the HMC, and co-chair of the WMHHD conference, said: “We are slowly emerging from the effects of a global pandemic that has affected many population groups over the past couple of years, especially vulnerable groups such as women experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.”“With this conference we want to help address many of the societal taboos,” she said.“Our joint commitment is to support new and expectant mothers and that this will have a positive impact on our wider society.”Dr Ovais Wadoo, senior consultant in the Community Mental Health Services at the HMC and chair of the Middle East Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “The World Maternal Mental Health Day conference is a product of a partnership between the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Hamad Medical Corporation, and Sidra Medicine.“The sessions will provide unique insight into maternal healthcare provision in Qatar and provide opportunities for professional development for a wide variety of healthcare providers from a diverse set of disciplines.”