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The Active Pregnancy Foundation (APF), in collaboration with the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), are delighted to announce the 15th of May as the date for the annual This Mum Moves Networking Event. Perinatal Mental Health will be the theme for this year’s event to tie in with the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (29 April to 5 May 2024), World Maternal Mental Health Day 2024 (1 May), and Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May).
This Mum Moves Ambassador Networking Event
Statistics show that around 1 in 5 women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth[1]. At the same time, we also know that there are several physical and mental health benefits associated with being more active. In fact, research has shown regular engagement in physical activities to reduce depression, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes by 40–67%[2].
The This Mum Moves Ambassador Networking Event will bring together a multi-disciplinary community of professionals who have completed the APF’s flagship ‘This Mum Moves Ambassador’ educational programme. Professionals who have not yet undertaken the training are also invited to attend. It will be an opportunity to discuss innovative approaches to promoting physical activity as a means of enhancing mental wellbeing during the perinatal period.
The event will feature case studies, community initiatives, and projects; highlighting the good work already being delivered by This Mum Moves Ambassadors. Subject matter experts will also be sharing current insights, and they will speak alongside women who will be sharing their own lived experiences of mental health difficulties during or after pregnancy.
By bringing this network of professionals together we want to encourage collaboration, learning and sharing, which in turn will facilitate and enhance the promotion of physical activity and maternal mental health initiatives.
"The Maternal Mental Health Alliance is excited to collaborate with the Active Pregnancy Foundation and Institute of Health Visiting to highlight the importance of physical activity during maternal mental health recovery. We believe in the power of collective efforts to drive positive outcomes, which is why our 'This Mum Moves' event will illustrate how perinatal mental health services and the voluntary and community sector can work together to empower mothers and enhance their care."
Maria Bavetta, Head of Engagement - MMHA
Philippa Bishop, Head of Training, iHV, emphasised the significance of supporting mothers throughout their perinatal journey, remarking, "Health visitors play a pivotal role in supporting families during the critical perinatal period. By integrating physical activity promotion throughout our practice, we can empower mothers to recognise the links between physical and mental wellbeing and lead healthier lives for themselves and their families. We’re also delighted to be working alongside the APF and MMHA to share this message with professionals."
Dr Marlize DeVivo, CEO, APF, highlighted the transformative potential of physical activity in promoting maternal mental health, stating, "Our mission at The Active Pregnancy Foundation is to create the conditions and resources that empower women to move more for their physical and mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond. By collaborating with like-minded organisations on events like this, we can amplify our impact and create a culture of connecting, learning and sharing amongst the professionals who work with women in their local communities.."
Together, the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, Institute of Health Visiting, and The Active Pregnancy Foundation are committed to driving positive change and ensuring that every women receives the support and resources she needs to thrive during the perinatal period and beyond.
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[1] Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Maternal Mental Health – Women’s Voices Feb 2017
[2] Davenport MH, Kathol AJ, Mottola MF, et al. Prenatal exercise is not associated with fetal mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53: 108–115.
Davenport MH, Ruchat SM, Poitras VJ, et al. Prenatal exercise for the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2018; 52: 1367–1375.