This course provides a brief introduction to perinatal mental health, with a focus on some specific perinatal mental disorders, and an overview of the potential risks associated with perinatal mental illness.

Developed in line with the perinatal mental health competency framework, the course builds knowledge and understanding in order to enhance the care given to women, infants and families during the perinatal period.

By the end of the course, you will have an increased awareness of some of the most common forms of perinatal mental illness, and will feel more confident navigating this complex area in your work.

Wondering what the course will be like? Download a summary of student & reviewer feedback (PDF).

• Factors from a woman’s history and current context which can affect her experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting, and her risk of perinatal mental illness
• The experience and perspective of the woman’s partner, including their history, relationship and attitudes
• The experience and perspective of the infant, and the importance of holding the infant in mind
• Perinatal depression – prevalence, symptoms and diagnosis
• Postpartum psychosis – prevalence, symptoms and diagnosis
• Perinatal OCD – prevalence, symptoms and diagnosis
• Overview of potential risks associated with perinatal mental disorders, including the risk of suicide and risk to the infant
• Summary of the professionals and services involved in women’s care during the perinatal period.

We welcome anyone to this course who has a keen interest in the subject area. In particular, the course is for you if you are a:

1. Mental health practitioner in non-specialist services (Adult and CAMHS) and are keen to develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the care of women in the perinatal period.
2. Non-mental health professional who cares for women during the pregnancy and the postnatal period and you are keen to develop your knowledge and skills in perinatal mental health in order to improve the care you provide. You may be working as a:

• • • Midwife
    • Obstetrician
    • Health Visitor or Health Visitor Assistant
    • Social carer or Social worker
    • Children’s centre and Early Years Practitioner
    • Doula
    • Maternity support worker.

Know someone else who’d enjoy this course? Download a course flyer (PDF) to share with friends and colleagues.

There are no specific requirements for the course, and there’s no assumption you’ll have prior knowledge in mental health – this course will provide a clear and accessible introduction to the subject, with a clinical focus.

There’s a multiple choice question assessment at the end of the course, unlocking a certificate.

This course runs continuously, so you can sign up at any time. It offers five hours of self-directed learning which you can undertake at a time and pace that suits you.

You will have access to the course and its materials for a total of four weeks. Access begins the day after you’ve registered and paid, when you will receive login details by email.