Perinatal/Postpartum Mental Health Information for Parents
In my time supporting parents, and fellow providers who treat parents, I’ve gathered a variety of free online resources to help families understand mental health concerns without judgment. Sometimes it can be helpful to read about these things on your own time, especially if you’re feeling nervous about reaching out for help. This guide will focus on education, because knowledge is power! I will focus on more in-depth information and free support resources (such as hotlines, individual and group peer support, and online forums) in future posts.
Here you will learn about:
planning for the postpartum period,
various mental health concerns that come up for pregnant and postpartum parents,
general prevention and treatment options,
and ways to communicate certain difficult feelings or experiences with your health care providers.
I have been certified since 2021 as a Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International, with training support from The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. You will notice I use a lot of their web pages here, because they are trusted sources with a wide range of information and resources.
If you’re seeking this information, please know it is a brave and responsible choice to ask for support from your community, including doctors and counselors when needed.
Postpartum Planning Class for Expectant Parents by Postpartum Support International
This is a free, one-time online meeting for expectant parents offered twice monthly by Postpartum Support International. The link includes the class plan and instructions for registration. You can also find the Postpartum Planning Document used in class at the link above, as well as an email contact for further assistance.
“Is your family growing? Would you like some dedicated time to learn and think about your mental health during the postpartum period? Join us for this 2-hour class for expectant parents in any stage of pregnancy, whether it’s 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester. All expectant parents are welcome: moms, birthing people, non-gestational parents, partners, couples, and single parents. If you are expecting a baby soon, we welcome you to join us.
We will focus on the parents’ mental health and emotional well-being during the postpartum period. The class will include education, interactive discussion, reviewing our postpartum plan, filling out sections of the plan, and resource building. This class is not focused on how to care for baby. This class is about your emotional and mental wellbeing as it pertains to: managing expectations, self-nourishment, creating a support network, and understanding the many different perinatal mood challenges that can occur. This class is a one-time session, so please only register once. Thank you! We are so glad you are planning for your postpartum period. You are not alone, and we are here to help.”
Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Perinatal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment from Postpartum Support International
This resource, below, from Postpartum Support International lists the signs and symptoms, common risk factors, treatment options, and additional readings related to (1) Perinatal Depression, (2) Perinatal Anxiety, (3) Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorders, and Psychosis. These conditions can affect the birthing parent as well as other family members, including dads and partners.
I would recommend reading through this site, if you had to pick just one.
https://postpartum.net/perinatal-mental-health/
Is It The Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression? from March of Dimes
Not sure if your feelings match up with depression symptoms? This resource from the March of Dimes walks you through the differences between the “baby blues" (which can be normal and expected) and postpartum depression.
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/baby-blues-after-pregnancy
International Fathers’ Mental Health Day Resources and Information
International Fathers’ Mental Health Day is an organization that focuses on advocacy for fathers, who can experience the same perinatal mental health challenges as their birthing partners. This link explores perinatal anxiety, depression, birth trauma, OCD, and suicide risks among men.
https://www.ifmhd.org/resources-and-information
A Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Podcast: Mom and Mind with Dr. Kat
“Dr. Kat, psychologist and specialist in perinatal mental health, interviews moms, dads, experts and advocates about how to cope, manage and recover from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We talk about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and SO MUCH MORE! We get real. We get honest. We put on our stigma crushing boots and address the realities of the transition to motherhood and parenthood.”
I really recommend searching through the episodes to see what sparks your interest. There are episodes about postpartum psychosis, dads’ mental health, pregnancy loss, antidepressants, “mom shame,” recognizing your own symptoms, sleep and self care, parental leave and working, ADHD, different cultural experiences with motherhood, and so much more.
The Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab’s Infographic on Postpartum Harm Thoughts
In this resource, “harm thoughts” refers to intrusive (unwanted/uncontrolled by you) and upsetting thoughts of infant-related harm. These thoughts are common for MANY new parents, and for SOME it can be a sign of a developing perinatal anxiety disorder or perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder. It often does NOT mean that your baby is in danger or that you are an unsafe parent - in fact, it’s often a sign that you are deeply invested in keeping your baby safe. This information can be helpful for parents experiencing harm thoughts, for partners and family members, and anyone else supporting your family.
Infographic on Postpartum Harm Thoughts | The Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab (ubc.ca)
Black Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet & Related Literature from the Black Mamas Matter Alliance:
“The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance that centers Black mamas and birthing people to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.“
The literature page includes many mental health- and fertility-related fact sheets, reports, peer-reviewed journal publications, and official statements from the organization.
Literature - Black Mamas Matter Alliance
American Indian and Alaskan Native Perinatal Mental Health: Facts and Resources from the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/IN) women experience higher rates of postpartum depression, and experience worse health outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth. This article summarizes academic studies on the subject, and shares resources and organizations that serve the AI/IN community related to perinatal mental health.
Latina and Hispanic Maternal Mental Health – Issue Brief from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
While these cultural labels include many diverse nationalities, “for this brief, the terms “Latina” and “Hispanic”will be used to describe all women of Latino and Hispanic ancestry and those identifying as Latina and Hispanic women, mothers, or birthing persons.“ This issue brief highlights statistics about perinatal mental health in Latina and Hispanic women, as well as exploring common barriers to receiving care.
https://policycentermmh.org/latina-and-hispanic-maternal-mental-health-issue-brief/
Postpartum Support International’s Recommended Reads
This list is great for folks who prefer a deep dive! Here you will find a ton of books, workbooks, memoirs, children’s books, and even textbooks for moms, dads, and families touching on fertility, postpartum mental health and psychosis, intrusive thoughts, nutrition and health, the return to work, maternity leave, loss and grief, birth trauma, parenting when you have a personal trauma history, healthy relationships, and more.
Recommended Reads | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s Menu of Prevention and Treatment Options for Maternal Mental Health:
This ‘menu’ includes a range of evidence-based prevention and treatment options available for parents, focused on maternal mental health. It has been clinically reviewed by OB/Gyns and was last updated in 2023. The list was first gathered and adapted in 2014 by ‘2020 Mom’ (now known as the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health).
https://policycentermmh.org/menu-of-prevention-and-treatment-options-for-maternal-mental-health/
Postpartum Progress’ “New Mom Checklist for Maternal Mental Health Help”:
New Mom Mental Health Checklist - General | POSTPARTUM PROGRESS
This is NOT a diagnostic tool, but is meant to be used as a discussion tool for moms to use with healthcare providers.
Parents, please know that these experiences, thoughts, and feelings are common and do not mean you are a bad or dangerous parent. Fathers and other non-birthing parents, please know you can experience these things too!
Providers: While we do have access to more formal assessment tools, you may use this checklist during a diagnostic interview to guide the discussion toward mental health symptoms and to show your clients how normal these experiences can be.
Thanks for taking the time to read this information! I hope it will empower you or a loved one to seek support if and when you need it.
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Quick disclaimer here! While I do specialize in perinatal mental health, I may not be the best fit for every parent due to my specific training and areas of competence. Let’s schedule a free consultation if you’re curious about working together.
