We're diving into a vital topic that touches the heart of our work as birth professionals: supporting mental health during the perinatal period. Whether you're a childbirth educator, a doula, or another type of birth professional, your role is uniquely positioned to offer meaningful support during one of the most emotionally complex times in a person's life.   Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) affect 1 in 5 individuals during pregnancy and postpartum—yet they often go undiscussed or unnoticed. In this episode, we'll explore how educators, doulas, and other birth professionals can create safe spaces for open conversations, recognize the signs of PMHDs, and offer compassionate, informed guidance to students and clients alike.  About Our Guests  Together, Dr. Celeste St. John-Larkin, Dr. Sarah Nagle-Yang, and Dr. Laurel Hicks, help lead the PROSPER program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine—a free, statewide perinatal psychiatric phone and e-consultation service that supports front-line healthcare providers in screening, assessing, and treating mental health and substance use conditions in pregnant and postpartum patients. PROSPER, which stands for Perinatal Resource Supporting Obstetric Screening, Psychiatric Education, Equity, and Referral, aims to expand access to mental health expertise, especially in rural and underserved areas of Colorado.  Dr.  Celeste St. John-Larkins is the PROSPER Project Director and Lead Psychiatrist. She supports providers statewide through expanded access to perinatal mental health and substance use care.   Dr. Sarah Nagle-Yang is the PROSPER Education and Training Lead. She has been a specialist in reproductive psychiatry for over a decade and is a co-editor of the first comprehensive textbook on Women's Reproductive Mental Health.   Dr. Laurel Hicks is the PROSPER Evaluation Lead and a Research Scientist. She holds a dual-title PhD in Social Work and Infant Mental Health, and her work focuses on improving outcomes for families through evidence-based mental health support  Listen and Learn:  What PMHDs include What the most common complication of childbirth is How many mothers are facing mental health concerns  When PMHDs may start in a woman's life Who should be paying attention to watch for these issues How the baby is affected if the mother is struggling with mental health issues How a new mother can give her family or support person permission to speak up if they notice she's acting differently than usual What educators and doulas can do for parents to see them as a safe space for referral Why breastfeeding can continue even if medication is needed How to help mothers build confidence to seek help    Recommended Resources:  The PROSPER Program – University of Colorado School of Medicine  Related Products from InJoy:  Understanding Postpartum Health & Baby Care Book + Web App Complete Postpartum Teaching Solution  Related Free Resources from InJoy:  Blog: Providing Social Support for Postpartum Women Through a 4th Trimester Group Webinar: Exploring the Unmet Needs of Postpartum Women  Contact the PROSPER Team:  For more information or inquiries, reach out to the PROSPER program at [email protected] 

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