This specialized Mental Health First Aid training — brought to you in partnership with Momentum for Health — is designed to equip community members, health providers, support persons, and caregivers with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year postpartum).

Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and birth trauma), engage in supportive conversation, and refer someone to appropriate professional help. The course integrates nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid principles with a specific focus on the unique emotional landscape of new and expectant parents.

Key Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize early warning signs and risk factors for perinatal mental health issues.

2. Apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan (ALGEE) in a perinatal context.

3. Engage in empathetic, nonjudgmental conversation with someone experiencing distress.

4. Encourage self-help strategies and localized supports (peer support, community resources).

5. Assist in connecting individuals to professional care or crisis services when needed.

6. Reduce stigma around perinatal mental health by increasing awareness and informed support.

You should attend if you are:

• Health care professionals (nurses, midwives, doulas, social workers)

• Community and support organization staff

• Anyone interested in supporting perinatal mental wellness in their networks