This module is designed to equip all health care professionals particularly Midwives, Public Health Nurses, Mental Health and other health care professionals to work effectively with individuals, couples and families within whatever work environment they are employed. This module will enable health professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of perinatal mental health problems and their impact on infants and families, during pregnancy and within one year of birth. Particular attention is given to assessment strategies used in with people experiencing perinatal mental health problems. Health professionals will develop a range of skills and strategies to enable them to work more effectively with families during the transition to parenthood. 

 

Perinatal mental illness is a serious public health issue which has the potential to cause adverse outcomes for women's life-long mental health and wellbeing of the children and families (National Perinatal Mental Health Report, 2010). This module is designed to equip all health care professionals particularly Midwives, Public Health Nurses, Mental Health and other health care professionals to work effectively with individuals, couples and families within whatever work environment they are employed. This module will enable health professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of perinatal mental health problems and their impact on infants and families, during pregnancy and within one year of birth. Health professionals will develop a range of skills and strategies to enable them to work more effectively with families during the transition to parenthood. 

 

Learning Outcomes: 

On completion of the programme the student will be able to: 

• Undertake a comprehensive assessment of perinatal mental health.  

• Use therapeutic interventions to support perinatal mental health and wellbeing.  

• Evaluate the mechanisms in place, which support perinatal mental health. 

• Discuss the impact of perinatal mental illness on infants, families and communities.  

• Discuss the professional, legal, and ethical issues surrounding perinatal mental health and infant wellbeing. 

• Appreciate the need for effective interdisciplinary team working in the management of perinatal mental health problems. 

• Value the concept of a partnership approach to working with families in the perinatal period