Maternal Mental Health, Relational Health and Infant Well Being - 2026 MMH FORUM

Moderated by Farah Arabe, Founder of itotheN “Intergenerational Impact”, this session will feature leading experts in relational health and infant well-being for a dynamic discussion on how early caregiver–infant relationships shape lifelong health and development. Grounded in the science of early brain development, panelists will explore how attuned, responsive relationships support neural growth and resilience, particularly during the critical early years. Drawing from evidence-based, strengths-driven models, speakers will discuss how relational health approaches can be effectively embedded into clinical and community settings and how integrated perinatal and infant psychiatry can strengthen systems of care. Panelists include representatives from Brazelton Touchpoints Center, The Hackett Center for Mental Health, Perinatal-Infant Mental Health (PIM) Network, and ZERO TO THREE. The session will conclude with practical strategies for scaling impact, including workforce development, policy and payment alignment, and billing considerations, to better support caregivers, promote healthy brain development, and improve outcomes for infants and families. Speakers: Farah Arabe Quianta Moore MD, JD Joshua Sparrow, MD Meghan Schmelzer, LMSW, IECMH‑E Amalia Londoño Tobón, MD