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From Pregnancy to Postpartum: ASWB-Approved Training for Maternal Mental Health Care
From Pregnancy to Postpartum: ASWB-Approved Training for Maternal Mental Health Care
Maternal mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, not only for birthing individuals but also for their families and communities. As mental health professionals, including social workers and therapists, we are uniquely positioned to identify, assess, and intervene in the emotional challenges faced during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Despite its importance, maternal mental health is often underrecognized and undertreated, creating significant gaps in care.
In this post, we’ll explore the state of maternal mental health, discuss evidence-based approaches for support, and share continuing education resources, including ASWB approved CEUs and CEs, for mental health professionals who want to deepen their expertise.
The State of Maternal Mental Health
Approximately 1 in 5 individuals will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum. This includes conditions such as:
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Perinatal depression
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Postpartum anxiety
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Postpartum psychosis (rare but serious)
Maternal mental health challenges are not limited to depression. Anxiety disorders, often overshadowed in public discourse, are highly prevalent and can be just as impairing. Furthermore, marginalized communities—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—experience higher rates of PMADs and lower access to culturally responsive care.
When untreated, these conditions can negatively impact parent-child attachment, increase the risk of developmental issues in children, and contribute to long-term psychological distress.
Why Mental Health Professionals Must Prioritize Maternal Mental Health
1. Early Identification Saves Lives
Mental health professionals often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing emotional difficulties during or after pregnancy. Early screening and appropriate referrals can reduce the risk of severe outcomes, including suicidal ideation and thoughts of harming the baby.
2. Bridging Gaps in the Healthcare System
Obstetric care providers may lack the time or training to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments. As social workers and therapists, we can bridge this gap by collaborating with OB/GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, and primary care providers.
3. Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Care
Many birthing individuals feel guilt or shame for struggling emotionally during what society portrays as a “joyful” time. A nonjudgmental therapeutic space can validate these experiences and normalize the need for support.
Assessment Tools Every Professional Should Know
For effective maternal mental health support, using validated screening tools is essential. Common tools include:
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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – One of the most widely used tools to screen for postpartum depression.
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Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) – Helps identify depressive symptoms.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) – Assesses anxiety levels.
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Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) – Offers a more nuanced view of postpartum experiences.
As part of your continuing education (CEs), consider attending workshops or trainings that include practical sessions on how to use and interpret these tools effectively.
Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Care
Birthing is not always a joyful experience—many individuals report their births as traumatic. Trauma can stem from medical interventions, perceived lack of autonomy, racial discrimination, or previous abuse. Therefore, maternal mental health support must be trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
For social workers and therapists, this means:
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Asking open-ended questions about the birth experience.
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Recognizing how systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and social determinants of health affect perinatal well-being.
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Creating space for identity exploration and validation—especially for LGBTQIA+ parents, single parents, and non-birthing partners.
This type of nuanced, intersectional care should be a cornerstone of your professional development—and many ASWB approved CEUs now focus on these areas.
Continuing Education (CEUs) for Maternal Mental Health
Given the complexity and importance of this topic, it’s essential for therapists and social workers to pursue specialized CEs in maternal mental health. Look for trainings that are:
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ASWB approved – Ensuring the CEU meets high standards of education and relevance.
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Interactive and skills-based – Providing more than just theoretical knowledge.
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Focused on equity and inclusion – Including modules on racial and reproductive justice.
Investing in maternal mental health CEUs not only enhances your practice—it saves lives.
Tips for Integrating Maternal Mental Health into Practice
1. Add Screening Questions to Intake Forms
Incorporate simple screening questions about pregnancy history, childbirth experiences, and postpartum adjustment into your intake assessments—even if maternal mental health isn’t the presenting concern.
2. Create a Resource List
Build a network of maternal health professionals: doulas, lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, support groups, and reproductive psychiatrists. These referrals can make a huge difference.
3. Supervision and Consultation
If maternal mental health is new to you, seek consultation or supervision from colleagues with experience in this area. This is especially important when treating clients with birth trauma or psychosis.
4. Offer Psychoeducation
Normalize maternal mental health struggles through psychoeducation. Explain the hormonal, emotional, and environmental shifts that can affect mental health during and after pregnancy.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
Maternal mental health is a public health issue—and one that demands our attention as social workers, therapists, and mental health professionals. By expanding our clinical skills, engaging in ASWB approved continuing education, and centering the voices of marginalized parents, we can help shift the narrative around perinatal care from one of silence to one of empowerment.
Continuing your education in this field is not only a professional responsibility—it’s an act of care, advocacy, and justice.
Looking for Maternal Mental Health CEUs?
Check out our upcoming ASWB approved webinar Maternal Mental Health Best Practices https://www.rscourses.com/courses/maternal-health-best-practices. Stay current, earn your CEs, and expand your clinical impact.
