From the Desire for a Child to the Postpartum Period: The Journey to Parenthood
The journey to parenthood does not begin with the birth of a child. It often starts much earlier, with the desire and efforts to have a child, continues through pregnancy and childbirth, and extends into the postpartum period and the family’s adjustment to a new reality.
This awareness event focuses on prenatal and perinatal mental health, exploring the journey to parenthood as an important psychological, emotional, and social transition. It aims to promote awareness, prevention, and early recognition of difficulties, while contributing to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges that women, partners, and families may experience at different stages of this journey.
Thematic Sessions
The event will feature three thematic sessions:
1. Assisted Reproduction & Mental Health
Mental health and emotional wellbeing in the context of infertility and assisted reproduction.
2. Perinatal Mental Health
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including the importance of early recognition and appropriate support.
3. The Transition to Parenthood
The transition to parenthood, with a focus on the parent–infant bond and the adjustment of couples and families to their new reality.
Each session will combine short presentations by doctors and psychologists with a roundtable discussion and open dialogue with the audience.
Who Should Attend
The event is open to:
- Healthcare and mental health professionals, including gynecologists, obstetricians, and psychologists
- Parents and prospective parents
- Anyone interested in prenatal, perinatal, and maternal mental health
Maternal mental health is an issue that extends beyond the individual and concerns families and society as a whole.
Registration
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Please complete the registration form below to reserve your place at the event.
Moderator
Dr. Christina Chatzidimitriou
Assistant Professor (Psychology)
BSc Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; MSc Social and Clinical Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Rene-Descartes; PhD in child psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Schedule
To be announced
Event Details
Date: November 21, 2026
Venue: “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall, Thessaloniki City Hall
Co-organized by:
Department of Psychology, Anatolia American University
Women’s Health First
Vafopouleio Cultural Center
An Interdisciplinary Approach
Through an interdisciplinary approach bringing together perspectives from medicine and psychology, the event seeks to highlight the importance of timely recognition of difficulties and access to appropriate support throughout the journey to parenthood.
