The Duchess of Cambridge carried out the first of two engagements today with a visit to the The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London.
It's a rainy day in London, Kate was given an umbrella upon arrival.
An arrival video from Kensington Palace.It's a rainy day in London, Kate was given an umbrella upon arrival.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at @KingsIoPPN, one of Europe's largest centres for neuroscience excellence, to learn more about the challenges and issues surrounding maternal mental health. pic.twitter.com/wFP4U3Hfan— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 24, 2018
The Duchess has become increasingly interested in maternal mental health in recent months. I believe it will be a key area of focus for her in addition to supporting children as the Heads Together campaign progresses.
Whilst doing research for the post, I stumbled upon this article from the World Health Organisation. Needless to say, the statistics make for shocking reading.
'Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. In developing countries this is even higher, i.e. 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after child birth. In severe cases mothers’ suffering might be so severe that they may even commit suicide. In addition, the affected mothers cannot function properly. As a result, the children’s growth and development may be negatively affected as well. Maternal mental disorders are treatable. Effective interventions can be delivered even by well-trained non-specialist health providers.
Globally maternal mental health problems are considered as a major public health challenge. Virtually all women can develop mental disorders during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery, but poverty, migration, extreme stress, exposure to violence (domestic, sexual and gender-based), emergency and conflict situations, natural disasters, and low social support generally increase risks for specific disorders.'
The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute is one of Europe’s largest centres for interdisciplinary neuroscience excellence. The Institute brings together 250 clinicians and scientists from many disciplines to develop new therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders through innovative research. The Institute is a key research facility supporting efforts to fast-track new treatments to patients affected by disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy and stroke, while strengthening King’s’ portfolio of internationally recognised brain research.
Kate visited the Institute's laboratory to receive a briefing on its work in perinatal research.
Kate met with senior academics conducting research in perinatal psychiatry.
A video from Richard Palmer.
The Duchess of Cambridge visits The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London pic.twitter.com/77SY5T7CFN— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 24, 2018
People reports:
'Carmine Pariante, who specializes in biological psychiatry, told the royal mom, “Children born from mothers who were depressed during pregnancy were two to three times more likely to become depressed themselves when they become adolescents.”
Kate asked, “Is that purely just during pregnancy?” Pariante answered, “It’s purely during pregnancy. If mothers are depressed after the baby is born it doesn’t have this enduring effect.'
A lighthearted moment as a consultant told Kate avatars - computer representations of people - are used to help schizophrenic mothers. Kate replied. "Oh, okay, as in the movie Avatar?".
I believe this photo captured the moment when Kate asked about Avatar.
From there, it was a thirty minute drive to Kate's next engagement.
The Duchess visited the Mother and Baby Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital, part of South London Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
The unit specialises in the treatment of antenatal and postnatal mental health illnesses including postnatal depression and post-partum psychosis. The integrated inpatient clinical service allows mothers who face mental health challenges to be admitted with their babies, to minimise the disruption of the mother-infant relationship. The holistic treatment programme offered supports the mother in developing a relationship with her infant in order to reduce the impact of the mother’s illness on the child. All patients are supported by psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, nursery nurses, midwives and other professionals.
A beautiful posy for the Duchess.
Kate visited the unit's nursery area and met with several patients who are currently undergoing treatment. The Duchess also visited the Video Therapy room where she was shown videos of mother-baby interaction used as a therapeutic tool in the unit.
Kate talked about expectations on mothers to feel "super happy" after birth, adding: "One in four of us aren't."
The Mail Online reports:
'It was not clear if Kate was speaking from personal experience when she referred to the pressure of being a mother, but the royal said spending time with babies had made her feel ‘very broody’, and told patients she was ‘so glad’ they are getting the help they need.'
Hannah Furness reports "The Duchess of Cambridge hung out with Esther and baby Nehemiah this afternoon, in the sensory room."
The Duchess continues to bring back popular pieces from her maternity wardrobe. I know many of you will be happy to see the return of Kate's gorgeous Seraphine Natasha Coat. Kate first wore it in 2015 when she was expecting Charlotte for a day of engagements in Kensington.
The soft mist-blue garment features mother of pearl buttons, an understated collarless style, a sleek straight cut and stylish faux pockets. It is described as "an elegant addition to your wardrobe for before, during and after pregnancy".
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| Seraphine |
Underneath, Kate wore the Seraphine Florrie Dress. Kate debuted the dress in 2015 and wore it earlier this month for a visit to Reach Academy.
It is described as "Made in soft woven fabric, this elegant dress drapes beautifully to finish just above the knee, allowing plenty of movement and a flexible fit for before, during and after pregnancy. Featuring a feminine curved empire line to define your waist" It remains available on the Seraphine website.
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| Seraphine |
And wore her navy suede Jimmy Choo Georgia pumps.
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| Jimmy Choo |
Kate accessorised with her sapphire and diamond drop earrings and wore her hair in a pretty ponytail.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing Kate's work in perinatal mental health in the coming months; I suspect a project in conjunction with Heads Together is possibly in the planning. When we see the royals particularly passionate and drawn to certain causes, one wonders if there's a personal connection. Kate herself has spoken about how difficult those first months with George were. Despite the fact it was such a happy time and they had a beautiful healthy baby boy, she really struggled. I imagine, during the years since, she has pondered on the largely silent difficult times so many new mothers experience. There's the additional guilt factor too; with mother's asking themselves, 'Why am I not happy?' Kate is fortunate enough to have a nanny and a very supportive husband and family and all the resources she could want. She's a good example of how there is no set criteria. I'm not a mother myself, but I know from family and friends, with the joy and happiness comes other feelings too. Feelings new mothers often bury. There's been no hint or statement suggesting Kate suffered with post-natal depression when George was born, but she did find it challenging in the early months and a huge adjustment. I'm sure she has thought about women feeling that way, who don't have a strong support system and resources around them. I'm very pleased she's shining a light on a problem that so many are left in the dark with.
