Keynote Talk: Building Maternal Resilience to Break the Cycle of Transgenerational Trauma

Dr. Gerlinde Metz’s keynote explores the profound impact of transgenerational stress and resilience on health and development.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The Science of Transgenerational Inheritance

• How stress and experiences from parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents can shape health, personality, and resilience.
• The biological imprint of ancestral stress on future generations.
• The role of epigenetics in passing down stress adaptations.

2. The Impact of Stress in Pregnancy and Early Life

• How maternal stress during pregnancy influences a child’s lifelong health and brain development.
• The link between prenatal stress and preterm birth, behavioral changes, and disease risks.
• How placental markers may help predict a baby’s future health.

3. The Role of Epigenetics and Biomarkers

• The discovery of microRNA as a key factor in stress inheritance (and its recent recognition in the Nobel Prize!).
• How stress affects gene expression rather than DNA itself—offering opportunities for intervention.
• The biological differences between those who experience chronic stress and those who build resilience.

4. Resilience and How to Break the Cycle of Stress

• The power of environmental enrichment in reversing stress-related changes.
• How social support, joy, and nurturing relationships biologically protect against stress.
• The role of oxytocin (the bonding hormone) in promoting well-being and reducing stress.
• The connection between social connection, nervous system regulation, and brain health.

5. Practical Applications for Parents and Professionals

• Why community and emotional support are essential for maternal well-being.
• How interventions—such as psychotherapy, enriched environments, and supportive relationships—can undo the effects of stress across generations.
• The importance of prioritizing joy, connection, and self-care to support both parents and babies.