Please join us to explore this crucial topic with Joan Luby, M.D., Samuel and Mae S. Ludwig Professor of Psychiatry (Child) at the Washington University School of Medicine

This webinar will present new scientific findings that support the importance of a “Thrive Factor” to optimize human infant neurodevelopment. The five elements of the Thrive Factor: Caregiver nurturance/attunement, regular sleep and circadian rhythms, nutrition, stimulation and safety will be reviewed, as well as evidence for their positive impact on infant brain and cognitive development. A novel perinatal prevention, currently under development and testing, that targets the Thrive Factor will be described.  This prevention called “Benefiting the Lives of Offspring and Mothers (BLOOM)” is a hybrid app/zoom based program that aims to be easily accessible and cost effective to a broad population in need. BLOOM starts in pregnancy and goes through the first year of life, a period of highest infant neuroplasticity, for maximal impact. The fundamental targets of BLOOM which may be a focus on clinical practice more generally will be described and reviewed.

Participants of this webinar will be able to:

• Understand basic principles of neuroplasticity and how environmental inputs shapes brain development.
• Understand methods of early intervention during the fetal and infancy period using dyadic and live coaching approaches.
• Understand the fundamental physical and psychosocial needs of the human infant for healthy neurodevelopment.

This webinar is for all of those working in the perinatal period as well as children birth to 5 and their families.

Date & Time:

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM ET

Thursday, March 5th, 2026