Conference Host: Robert S. Bridges, PhD

Mission: to bring together basic and clinical researchers using state of the art scientific approaches to examine the role of the central nervous system in both maternal and paternal care.

Normal parental behavior and maladaptive responses during the critical periods associated with
raising offspring will be explored. Basic underlying mechanisms that regulate the adaptations of the maternal and paternal brain towards parenting will be one central focus of the meeting.

Translational aspects of the conference will constitute a second key component of the program. Issues related to postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, anxiety and aggression in women, and inadequate parental bonding to infants, will be discussed in an effort to bridge the gap between the basic and clinical sciences on these crucial topics and to advance our understanding of women’s and men’s health issues.

Keynote Lecture: David Rubinow, M.D., "Mood Disorders of Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period"

Plenary Talk: Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, Ph.D., "Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Context of Human Development"

Symposia:
Neural Systems & Maternal Behavior
Maternal Aggression, Stress & Anxiety/Depression
Neuropeptide Regulation and Actions during Pregnancy and Lactation
The Energetics of Motherhood
Individual Variations in Maternal Behavior: from Genes to Experience
Alternate Patterns of Parental Care
Biparental Care: Neural and Physiological Mechanisms
Neuroplasticity & Reproductive Experience

Poster Sessions: Maternal & Paternal Neurobiology

Contact: The Office of Continuing Education/Conference Planning, Tufts Vet School
200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536 ~ Phone: 508-887-4723 ~ Email: vetCEinfo@tufts.edu

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2007

Tufts University
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536