The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, carried two engagements at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at King’s College London and Perinatal Service at Bethlem Royal Hospital promoting Mental Health. The focus of these visits was Maternal Mental Health.
On today’s engagement Palace remarked, “The Duchess is keen to continue developing an understanding of the challenges and issues surrounding maternal mental health, to learn what support is available, and to hear at first-hand about the science underpinning our understanding of the biological influences on maternal mental health. At least 20 per cent of women is affected by mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. If left untreated, it can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman and her family.”
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
Mental health causes very close to the heart of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and is being funded by the Royal Foundation. The Duchess of Cambridge, who is expecting her third baby, arrived at King’s College London battling a rainy day.
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London is one of Europe’s largest centers for neuroscience excellence, to learn more about the challenges and issues surrounding maternal mental health.
At least 20% of women are affected by mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. If left untreated, it can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman and her family. At the Institute, The Duchess learned what support is available to new mothers and the biological influences on maternal mental health.
Kate hears about scientific developments in understanding maternal mental health. This is a big area of interest for her. Later today she will meet new mothers being treated for mental health conditions pic.twitter.com/0TGBC3p7UC
— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) January 24, 2018
Inside the Institute’s laboratory, The Duchess received a briefing on its work in perinatal research before meeting with academics leading research in perinatal psychiatry.
The Duchess of Cambridge was briefed about the ‘avatars’ – computer representations of people – are used to help schizophrenic mothers. During briefing keeping the mood light, Duchess joked, “Oh, okay, as in the movie Avatar?”
The Duchess of Cambridge @KensingtonRoyal arriving at the Mother and Baby Unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital this afternoon @MaudsleyNHS (Video credit: @Sasha_QI) pic.twitter.com/RvaVdAK0Cn
— SLaM QI (@SLAM_QI) January 24, 2018
Later on, The Duchess of Cambridge headed towards the Bethlem Royal Hospital to visit the Mother and Baby Unit at the Hospital that is part of South London Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
The unit specializes in the treatment of antenatal and postnatal mental health illnesses including postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis.
The Duchess met patients who are being treated by a range of professionals including nurses, midwives, health visitors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers at the Unit with their babies to minimize the disruption of the mother-infant relationship.
Treatment for the mothers on Mother and Baby Unit at Royal Bethlem Hospital is family-focused and can include treatment such as medication, CBT, couple or family therapy, and occupational therapy.
The Duchess of Cambridge hung out with Esther and baby Nehemiah this afternoon, in the sensory room @MaudsleyNHS . Kate talked about expectation on mothers to feel “super happy” after birth, adding: “One in four of us aren’t.” pic.twitter.com/NPxSLgMLuZ
— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) January 24, 2018
Catherine visited the sensory room at the MBU, where mothers do activities such as infant play and massage, and the video therapy room where she was shown the beneficial outcomes of video therapy work.
Once again the bringing out her thrifty side, The Duchess of Cambridge recycled her maternity wardrobe. She chose her gorgeous Seraphine Natasha Coat that she first wore in 2015.
An understated collarless soft mist-blue style features a mother of pearl buttons, a sleek straight cut, and stylish faux pockets.
Made of 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 and featuring a feminine curved empire line to define the waist.
The Duchess paired the outfit with Jimmy Choo Georgia pumps and carried navy Jaeger quilted clutch.
Her Sapphire and Diamond Oval Drop Earrings finished the look of the day.
Today was the last appearance of The Duchess of Cambridge before the Sweden and Norway tour next week. Stay tuned for regular tour updates!!
