Health professionals’ practice experiences of infant mental health

Phillips, Sophie; Davenport, Caroline

Abstract

Infant mental health (IMH) is a recognised but complex concept that
can be threatened by difficulties in parent–infant attachment and
trauma. The impact of poor infant mental health is long lasting; yet there is little existing literature regarding health professionals’ experiences of infant mental health in practice. A literature review has examined the evidence base around infant mental health and professional practice experiences. Searches for primary qualitative research were achieved through relevant databases using appropriate search terminology related to the research question. Research shows there are various barriers to incorporating infant mental concepts into practice. These relate to time constraints and self-confidence. Furthermore, given the emotionally demanding nature of IMH, it increases the risk of compassion fatigue and burnout among health professionals. A deeper understanding of health professionals’ experiences of IMH in practice can be used to implement recommendations to practice and research, to ensure infant mental health is incorporated into practice and staff members’ emotional needs are supported. This ensures practice is trauma-informed and supports the prevention of further unnecessary
suffering and widening of inequalities, which ultimately leads to
improved quality of care.

Citation

Phillips, S., & Davenport, C. (2025). Health professionals’ practice experiences of infant mental health. Journal of Family and Child Health, 2(2), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.12968/jfch.2025.2.2.72

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Feb 6, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 25, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 2, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 3, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Family and Child Health
• Print ISSN: 3049-5210
• Electronic ISSN: 3049-5229
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 72-78
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jfch.2025.2.2.72
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5040601