What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health covers emotional and psychological wellbeing from conception through the first year after birth, including pregnancy loss, fertility challenges and adoption. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, and they are highly treatable when someone recognizes them.
Have you ever wondered whether a new mother's symptoms are the baby blues or something more? Or been unsure what to ask about intrusive thoughts, or when a presentation is an emergency? You don't know what you don't know, and most of us had very little perinatal training along the way.
What our perinatal training covers
In When Motherhood Feels Hard: A Clinician's Guide to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, you will learn to:
- Recognize the full spectrum of PMADs: depression, anxiety, perinatal OCD, PTSD and birth trauma, bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis
- Screen with validated tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and respond well to a positive screen
- Assess risk and build perinatal safety plans
- Outline evidence-based treatment options, and when to refer for medication evaluation or a higher level of care
- Coordinate care with OB-GYNs, midwives, pediatricians and psychiatric prescribers
Thinking about the PMH-C?
Katie earned her PMH-C, Postpartum Support International's Perinatal Mental Health Certification. Our course does not replace PSI's requirements, but it is a practical place to build your perinatal knowledge. Read our PMH-C certification guide for an overview of the steps.
Live online, and near Springfield, MO
When Motherhood Feels Hard runs as a live virtual training, so clinicians can join from anywhere in the country, with 2027 dates coming soon. Hospitals, OB clinics, group practices and conferences can also book a private training or presentation.
