Perinatal Mental Health Training for Birth Professionals
– lots of information I have learned through different professional trainings I attended
– my own experience of postpartum mood disorder
– and many quality books and articles I read.
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be more familiar with all different perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
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be able to recognize the symptoms if it happens to your clients
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know what the risks and contributing factors are
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learn strategies to cope with the challenges that emerge during the postpartum period
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recognize what is normal to experience about mental health in the perinatal period
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recognize what requires professional support
We know that the postpartum period is a big transition for parents. A lot of emphasis is put on the birth and baby’s care and well being. We tend to forget that the first-year postpartum is a vulnerable time for mental health. We now know that as many as 1 in 5 birthing people experience some type of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. 10% of new dads experience paternal depression. 15-21% of pregnant people experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety. These mental illnesses are more common than we think. That’s why it is important as birth workers to be well informed about this subject. It sure helps us to serve our clients even better.
Here is what a doula is saying about my training:
“I have a background in this area and yet I was still eager to take Gen’s course because I think her unique professional and personal experience bring a really important lens onto this topic which I knew would benefit my practice. Throughout the course it is clear to see her knowledge and she presents it all in a very clear, succinct and non-threatening way. I learned things that I did not before know and got some really good reminders of some things I had forgotten. I will be incorporating this knowledge into my practice as I believe that we are in a great position as birth professionals to identify mental health difficulties in pregnancy and postpartum and we are also in a position to help identify good healthy plans for postpartum wellness. Gen’s course will help you do both, and I have said that this course is one every birth professional should take. This information is invaluable in our work. Thank you Gen.”
Aleksandra Petkovska, Worldwide Virtual Doula
Upcoming ONLINE course:
Starting February 1st 2021
Register here
Here are the topics I cover in my perinatal mental health training:
- The transition to parenthood
- Common postpartum experiences and how to cope with them
- Baby blues
- Scary thoughts
- Mental illness and stigma
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
- Definition, prevalence and etiology
- Types and descriptions of PMADs
- Risks and contributing factors
- Partner support
- Postpartum resiliency (interview with Olivia Scobie)
- Variety of resources related to perinatal mental health
- Reflection about your practice
“I loved this class! I felt so unprepared and had a lack of confidence when it came to dealing with my clients postpartum. I had been looking for a class that covered postpartum depression and other mental illnesses associated with pregnancy and postpartum. This class made me feel confident and informed on not just the different mental illnesses associated with pregnancy and postpartum. I loved the online experience and the ability to be an active participant in the learning process. This has been a huge help guiding my clients through the postpartum stage by helping them understand the changes and feelings they may be experiencing. I recommend any birth workers or healthcare professionals seeking more knowledge and education to take this course! I loved it and I loved my teacher! Thanks Geneviève Desrochers.”
Janelle Boydstun, Birth Doula
“I came to Geneviève’s online perinatal class during the beginning of COVID-19. There was a lot of anxiety in the air that I could feel my clients were picking up on, and I wanted to be more prepared on different situations and outcome resources. I wanted to gather more information in regards to what are the different feelings, experiences and emotions leading up to an after the birth of a new baby (…) Her class was so insightful, gave a lot of room for discussion, and was very open minded to the possibility of learning about this very unique topic in a multitude of ways. She had an amazing presentation online, her approach was gentle and very information based (…) Genevieve is extremely warm, supportive, and is always there to provide information to her Doula colleagues as well as I’m sure the multitude of clients she has supported. Thank you again !!”
Nidhi Seth, Birth Doula and Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula
If you are interested in this training, don’t hesitate to register! You will not regret it! I know that at the end of my training, you will be better equipped to offer greater support to your clients.