Peripartum Mental Health Basics: Supporting Parents from Pregnancy through the Postpartum Period

Presenter: Allison Zweig, MSW

CEUs: Category 1 | 1.5 

This 60–90 minute workshop introduces attendees to the emotional and psychological changes commonly experienced during the peripartum period (conception through the first year postpartum). The session is designed for both professionals (healthcare, educators, doulas, therapists) and individuals seeking a foundational understanding of peripartum mental health.

Workshop Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Understand key mental health challenges in the peripartum period (e.g., postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and birth trauma). 
2.  Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for peripartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). 
3. Learn evidence-based support strategies and screening tools. Explore inclusive and trauma-informed approaches for supporting diverse families. 
4.  Identify when and how to refer individuals for professional mental health care.

Agenda:

• 0:00–0:10 Welcome & Introductions — Set the tone, participant check-in, goals
• 0:10–0:25 What Is the Peripartum Period? — Defining pregnancy through 12 months postpartum
• 0:25–0:40 Understanding PMADs — Signs, symptoms, and types of disorders 
• 0:40–0:55 Risk Factors & Protective Supports — Hormonal, psychological, social, and systemic influences 
• 0:55–1:10 Trauma-Informed & Inclusive Care — Serving diverse families and birthing people with sensitivity 
• 1:10–1:20 Support Tools & Referral Pathways — Screening tools, therapy options, and self-help strategies 
• 1:20–1:30 Q&A + Closing Reflections — Open dialogue, grounding exercise, resource list distribution

Recommended Reading:

• Peripartum Mental Health Basics American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2018). Screening for Perinatal Depression. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 757. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org 
•  Postpartum Support International (PSI). (n.d.). Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Overview. Retrieved from: https://www.postpartum.net 
•  Wisner, K. L., Sit, D. K., McShea, M. C., et al. (2013). Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiatry, 70(5), 490–498. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.87 
•  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Depression Among Women. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/index.htm 
•  Shorey, S., Chee, C. Y. I., Ng, E. D., Chan, Y. H., Tam, W. W. S., & Chong, Y. S. (2018). Prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 104, 235–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.001 
• Brockington, I. (2004). Postpartum psychiatric disorders. The Lancet, 363(9405), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)15390-1 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Perinatal Depression. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression 
• Earls, M. F., & Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. (2010). Incorporating recognition and management of perinatal and postpartum depression into pediatric practice. Pediatrics, 126(5), 1032–1039. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-2348 
• Goodman, J. H., Watson, G. R., & Stubbs, B. (2016). Anxiety disorders in postpartum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 190, 494–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.040 
• Cheng, C. Y., & Pickler, R. H. (2009). Perinatal stress, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and immune modulation in late pregnancy and one month postpartum. Scientific World Journal, 9, 145–154. https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2009.22

About the Presenter:

Allison Zweig, MSW, PMH-C Certified Peripartum Therapist | Mental Health Educator | Creator of Therapy-Informed Journals & Workshops Allison is a licensed social worker and certified perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through the emotional journey of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. With years of experience in reproductive and maternal mental health, She blends clinical insight with creative tools to offer accessible support through guided journals, therapy printables, and educational workshops. She founded Peripartum Support to make trauma-informed, inclusive, and gentle resources available to families and professionals navigating the peripartum period. Her work centers on compassion, evidence-based care, and the belief that no one should have to struggle alone through life's most tender transitions. Whether you're a new parent, a helping professional, or someone healing from loss or change, Allison's offerings are designed to hold space for your story—one page, one practice, one step at a time.

https://www.allisonzweig.com