PMHI Trainings

The Perinatal Mental Health Institute provides online trainings for professionals who work with the perinatal population around the recognition and diagnosis of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the effective treatment and support for individuals navigating the transition to parenthood.

PMHI CORE TRAINING

Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

SEPTEMBER 2024 COHORT IS NOW FULL

NEXT COHORT IS JANUARY 2025

SIGN UP FOR OUR WAITING LIST TO RECEIVE FIRST NOTICE OF OPEN ENROLMENT

Course Structure

The course will take place over 10 months. Each month, we will meet virtually for a 3 hour session and really dig into that month's topic.

Each monthly session has:

  • Prerequisite readings

  • A live learning session with a case consultation (with access to the recorded version afterwards)

  • Access to resources discussed in session for download

  • Access to a peer support discussion board between sessions for questions

  • Students will also receive 6 months access to the PMHI Community membership subscription

Areas Of Study


Session 1: Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health and Matrescence

  • Understanding Matrescence

  • Need for Effective Support

  • Attachment Styles and Impact on Parenting

  • Adjustment Disorder

  • Baseline Screenings

Session 2: Supporting Struggles with Fertility

  • Common Causes of Infertility or Fertility Challenges

  • Impact of Infertility

  • Pregnancy After Fertility Treatments

  • Effective Interventions

Session 3: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth and Pregnancy After Loss

  • Navigating Grief

  • Risk factors for emotional complications

  • Normal Bereavement vs PTSD, Complex

  • Bereavement or PMADs

  • Impact of Loss

  • Pregnancy After a Loss

Session 4: Perinatal Anxiety and OCD/Intrusive Thoughts

  • Understanding Perinatal Anxiety

  • Types of Perinatal Anxiety Disorders

  • Impact of Anxiety and OCD

  • Postpartum Anxiety in Partners

  • Effective Screening and Treatment

Session 5: Perinatal Depression

  • Understanding Perinatal Depression

  • Postpartum Rage

  • Impact

  • Partners with Postpartum Depression

  • Suicidality and Self Harm

  • Effective Screening and Treatment

Session 6: Perinatal Bipolar Disorder and Postnatal Psychosis

  • Bipolar Disorder and Mania

  • Postnatal Psychosis

  • Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis

  • Impact

  • Treatment for Mania and Psychosis

  • Crisis Treatment, Referral and Stabilization

Session 7: Challenges After Baby Arrives

  • Breastfeeding and Feeding Challenges

  • Weaning Anxiety

  • NICU and Prematurity

  • Impact on Mothers, Partners and Families

  • Infant Health Challenges

  • Sleep Challenges

Session 8: Birth Trauma and Sexual Abuse

  • Traumatic Birth

  • Birth Trauma for Dads

  • Impact of Traumatic Birth

  • Protection Against Vicarious Trauma

  • Impacts of Sexual abuse on Childbearing and Parenting

  • Trauma Informed Birth Planning


Session 9: Medication Management and Maternal Health Complications

  • Understanding Medication Management during the Perinatal Period

  • Understanding your scope

  • Effective Referral

  • Common Maternal Health Complications

  • Maternal Body Image

  • Substance Use Disorder/Abuse/Addiction

  • Mothering with ADHD

Session 10: Relationship Challenges and Effective Support

  • Impact of the Perinatal Period on Relationships

  • Effective Interventions for Perinatal Relationships

  • PMADS in partners

  • Impact of perinatal mental health across the lifespan

  • Effective Interventions in the perinatal period

  • Professional expectations

Course Objectives

This is a foundational course that will help you develop a deep understanding of Perinatal Mental Health and Mental Health complications that arise within Matrescence.

By the end of the course the participants will be able to demonstrate a clear and confident understanding of:

  • healthy matrescence

  • the scope of the perinatal period, its distinct stages and the challenges inherent in each stage

  • the prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and common presentations of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

  • mental health challenges associated with fertility and the impact of these challenges on mental health outcomes.

  • grief and loss within the perinatal period and its impact during and after the loss, as well as on subsequent pregnancies.

  • mental health challenges associated with experiencing perinatal trauma such as traumatic birth, loss, NICU stays or infant/maternal physical health complications.

  • the impact of PMADs on the parental relationship and family dynamic within the early development years and beyond.

By the end of the course the participants will be able to confidently demonstrate a competency in:

  • the identification of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and their symptoms.

  • utilizing evidence based screening tools and assessments in the perinatal period.

  • the ability to conduct differential diagnosis between distinct Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

  • in utilizing skills and techniques to provide empathetic and evidence based support for challenges specific to the perinatal period.

  • the ability to identify crisis situations and to respond appropriately in order to support the health and safety of mother and baby; including reporting requirements.

  • in the application of learned skills through peer consultation and case studies.

Who Is This Course Intended For?

  • Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists, and Social Workers who work with the perinatal population and would like further training and competency or who would like to integrate perinatal clients into their practice/work

  • Perinatal Consultants, GP's, Midwives, Nurses, Public Health Nurses, or Doulas who work with the perinatal population and want to be more competent in Maternal Mental Health

  • Other Affiliate Providers who support or would like to support the perinatal population (e.g. Naturopaths, Functional Medicine Doctors, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Physical Therapists, Paediatricians, Dieticians, Sleep Consultants, Lactation Consultants, Perinatal Peer supporters/Peer Specialists, Support Group Leaders, Perinatal and/or Fertility Coaches, Community Health Workers

Course Pre-Requisites

  • Must hold a recognized professional qualification in a health related field, psychology, midwifery, medical field

  • OR Must be registered and/or accredited with the regulatory body associated with their field or expertise

  • Proficiency in English

  • Currently working with the perinatal period or plan to work with this population in the future

  • Access to technology to access the course

  • Applications can be made for a waiver to requirements on an individual basis

FAQS

Tell me about the Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Training!

This is our fundamental in depth training for perinatal providers who really want to get it! This 10 Month course will cover the impact of Matrescence, Fertility Challenges, Grief and Loss, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal Depression, Mania and Psychosis, Birth Trauma, NICU Stays, Feeding Challenges, Medication Management and Relationship challenges on mental health. Take a look on our training page for more information!

Will I get CPD Credits?

Yes! Our Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Training has been approved by the CPD Standards Office for 30 Internationally Recognised CPD credits. Certificates will be awarded at the end of the course.

Who is the PMHI for?

The goal of PMHI is to include all professionals working with the perinatal population. We are passionate about our mission to support women, couples and families through the perinatal period by educating and supporting the providers that care for them! This includes Psychologists, Psychotherapists, GPs, Consultants, OB Doctors and RNs, Midwives, Doulas, Nutritionists, Coaches and any other professional provider who cares for women and couples in the perinatal period.

How can I learn more?

Make sure you are signed up for our mailing list to receive updates and feel free to reach out to us anytime at [email protected]