Perinatal Mental Health: The Public Health Implications on Maternal & Child Hlth

1 Unit · Graduate

The perinatal period is the period inclusive of pregnancy and the first year postpartum. This period is one of the most important periods for child development, yet many families and parents face significant challenges during this period. Perinatal mental health disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and postpartum period. Perinatal mental health includes depression, anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and other mental illnesses, with depression and anxiety among the most common health challenges for women during the perinatal period. More specifically, perinatal depression and anxiety poses significant mental health risks for mothers, parents, families, and their infants. Currently, the U.S is facing a maternal health crisis due to racial and ethnic disparities and inequities. Disparities and inequities at the parent level have a generational impact. This course will examine multi-level approaches to understanding and addressing the complex factors that affect the health and well-being of women, children, and families during the perinatal period. Students will be introduced to perinatal mental health, the generational impact, and addressing complex problems through elements of implementation science, equity, and public health leadership. This course uses the systems-thinking, reflective practices, and public health leadership teaching methods, which emphasizes active learning, in-class discussion, and out-of-class preparation, reflection, and analysis. This course is highly interactive, requiring active participation by all students, including in small groups.