Upcoming Educational Opportunities in Maternal Mental Health
A bounty of interesting educational opportunities is available this fall!
Oct. 28-29 | DONA International Summit
Hosted by DONA International®
Virtual | October 28 - 29
This birth and postpartum professional conference is bringing together a variety of experts in maternal health and maternal mental health to provide education and empowerment for those in the field. MMHLA's Executive Director, Adrienne Griffen, MPP, is a keynote speaker. Her presentation is titled "Families in Crisis: The Perinatal Mortality and Mental Health Crisis."
Oct. 29 | Managing Postpartum Depression in Rural America
Hosted by Rural Minds
Virtual | October 29 | 6pm - 7pm ET
Speakers include Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins, who will discuss how she works with mothers in rural and underserved areas of Georgia to manage postpartum, and Carrie Banks, Peer Support Program Director at Postpartum Support International, who will share her experience with living in rural America and managing postpartum depression.
Nov. 5 | Compassionate Conversations: Maternal Mental Health
Hosted by American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Virtual | November 5 | 1:30pm - 2:30pm ET
ACOG’s Compassionate Conversations series is aimed at highlighting effective techniques and answering questions on having sensitive conversations around difficult topics. This conversation will focus on patient-centered discussions regarding maternal mental health and how health care professionals in obstetrics and gynecology can support their patients.
Nov. 6 | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the Perinatal Period
Hosted by Children’s National Hospital
Virtual | November 6 | 12pm - 1pm ET
Dr. Katherine Wisner – a pioneer in the field of perinatal mental health – will lead this webinar, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Perinatal Period: Pain of Mind is Worse Than Pain of Body.” Dr. Wisner is Professor of Psychiatry, and Pediatrics in the Developing Brain Institute at Children’s National Hospital, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, in Washington, D.C.
Nov. 14 | Perinatal Mental Health Equity: Research and Policies Relevant to Social Work
Hosted by University of Michigan School of Social Work
Virtual | November 14 | 1pm - 2pm ET
Join Dr. Karen Tabb Dina — one of the foremost international experts on perinatal mental health, racial disparities, and social determinants in maternal and child health — for this one-hour webinar. Participants will be able to describe perinatal mental health challenges in the United States and identify associated outcomes and strategies to address perinatal mental health from a social work perspective.
Nov. 14 | A Postpartum State of Mind: Supporting Military Families During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Virtual | November 14 | 3pm - 4:30pm ET
This workshop will teach attendees about military culture, terminology, risk factors, protective factors, and resources to support military families. Attendees will review case studies and discuss how to identify and support clients who may be at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. After completing this webinar participants will be able to describe basic military culture, terminology, and common risk factors affecting birthing persons within military families; explain the deployment cycle to military families and offer supportive therapeutic techniques to manage their mental health during times of separation; and identify at least three therapeutic techniques, current initiatives, and/or resources to support military families.
Nov. 20 | When the Bough Breaks: Postpartum Mood and Anxiety
Hosted by Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Virtual | November 20 | 2pm - 3pm ET
Join AWHONN and Dr. Cheryl Beck as we discuss drivers of maternal mortality rates related to postpartum depression and anxiety disorders such as PTSD due to traumatic childbirth. We will dive deep into risk factors, predictors, screening recommendations, and how nurses can best advocate for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Nov. 20 | Bridging the Divide: Advocating for Policy Change to Address Maternal Mental Health
Hosted by Shades of Blue Project
Virtual | November 20 | 1pm ET
This webinar will explore the critical need for policy reform to advance maternal mental health equity. This session will bring together advocates, policymakers, and experts in maternal health to discuss how current disparities impact mothers, particularly those in underserved communities, and what steps can be taken to bridge these gaps.
Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which policy change can reduce disparities, promote inclusive practices, and enhance access to mental health services for all mothers. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, advocate, or community member, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to advocate for meaningful change in maternal mental health policies.
Nov. 21 | The Role of Hospitals in Optimizing Postpartum Mental Health Support
Hosted by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and the American Hospital Association
Virtual | November 21 | 1pm ET
This webinar will explore the role hospitals can play to build up treatment and support for maternal mental health disorders during postpartum. Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. will dive into the development of its newest 10-bed perinatal mental health unit, dedicated to creating a safe space for those with diagnosed perinatal mental health conditions. Mental health leaders from University of Colorado Hospital will share the hospital’s intensive perinatal outpatient programs, focused on support, therapy, and medication management. Speakers will emphasize strategies and action steps hospitals and health systems can take to prioritize mental health, especially for high-risk pregnancies, and improve postpartum experiences and outcomes.
Dec. 11 | Light Therapy: Practical Applications in Perinatal Mood Disorders
Hosted by Children’s National Hospital
Virtual | December 11 | 12pm – 1pm ET
Dr. Dorothy Sit of Northwestern University is an expert on the use of bright light therapy to treat mental health disorders. This event is part of the Perinatal Mental Health Training Series led by the Washington DC Community Network for Mother-Baby Wellness.
