Preventing Postpartum Depression

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, impacting at least 1 in 5 pregnant or postpartum people (800,000 families each year in the United States). Fewer than 75% of those impacted receive treatment.

The goal of this training is to introduce evidence-based programs which are designed to prevent and mitigate perinatal mental health conditions

PMADs have a profound impact on the mental health and physical health of the pregnant/birthing parent. In addition, the emotional and financial well-being of families are affected and PMADs cause a long-lasting, deleterious effect on child development.

Several evidence-based programs designed to prevent postpartum depression will be introduced in this training. One specific program that has been endorsed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force called Practical Resources for Effective Postpartum Parenting (PREPP) will be discussed in depth. This program aims to prevent postpartum mood disorders in at-risk people by promoting maternally mediated behavioral changes in their infants, while also including psychoeducation and stress-management skills.