About this Event
The National Perinatal Midwives Conference 2025 brings together a collective of Specialist Midwives and allied professionals united in their commitment to improving maternal mental health.
Join us for a day of expert talks, shared learning, and meaningful connection as we strengthen our collective voice on behalf of women and families facing perinatal mental health challenges.
Agenda
๐: 09:30 AM
BHT Welcome & Housekeeping
Host: Nicki Henson
๐: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
How stress during pregnancy can alter the outcome for the child
Host: Professor Viviette Glover
Info: Vivette Glover is Visiting Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology at Imperial College London. Her research has shown the effects of the emotional state of the mother during pregnancy, on the developing fetus and longer term on the child., especially on neurodevelopment. Her group have also studied the biological mechanisms that may underlie such fetal programming. She has published over 450 papers. She has been awarded the International Marcรฉ Society medal, the John Cox medal, and the PIPUK award for Research into Pregnancy and Infant Mental Health. Her work is contributing to changes in government policy.
๐: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Heaven then hell: a partnerโs experience of Postpartum Psychosis
Host: Chris Wasley
Info: Chris Wasley is a seasoned fundraiser and dedicated campaigner who is on a mission to raise national awareness of the perinatal mental illness, Postpartum Psychosis (PP).
In 2019 Chris' wife was diagnosed with PP following the birth of their first child and was subsequently admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) to recover.
In the years since, Chris has been a highly proactive campaigner, raising awareness of the illness around the country, as well as its impact on the family network, the importance of MBUs and support for partners.
Chris' journey can be found on Instagram @Wasley_postpartumpsychosis
๐: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
๐: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
The Politics of Maternal Mental Health
Host: Laura Kyrke-Smith, MP
Info: Laura Kyrke-Smith MP led an important debate on maternal mental health in Westminster Hall, sharing the heartbreaking story of her friend Sophie, who died by suicide just 10 weeks after giving birth to her third baby.
In her speech, the MP for Aylesbury highlighted how common maternal mental health challenges are, and yet how overlooked they continue to be. Though she did acknowledge that improvements have been made in recent years, including an increase in specialist services for women with the most severe and complex issues, she said care remained uneven, with disadvantaged women more likely to miss out.
๐: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
๐: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
When Birth Breaks You: Finding Strength, Healing and Meaning
Host: Carly Brown
Info: Carley Brown is an experienced business psychologist and specialist in positive psychology, leadership, and healthy workplace performance. After experiencing PTSD following the traumatic birth of her second child, Carleyโs personal journey deepened her commitment to helping professionals not just survive, but flourish. Sheโs also a proud mum of two, and draws daily inspiration from the resilience, vulnerability, and growth that parenthood demands. Through her work and lived experience, she advocates for a more compassionate approach to patient safety and professional life - where flourishing isnโt a luxury, but a necessity.
๐: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Supporting patient choice to support mental well-being.
Host: Katie Parker and Danni Gupta
Info: Service user feedback on the difference correct support can make.
๐: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
Break
๐: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Interactive Panel talk
๐: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Sir Henry Floyd Auditorium, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00











