Perinatal Mental Health: An Integrated Care Approach for Health Professionals

By: Taylor O’Neal Long | Starke County Grant Coordinator and Marketing Specialist, Porter-Starke Services

Collaborating healthcare partners, Powers Health and Porter-Starke Services, developed a one-day conference discussing Perinatal Mental Health and the most effective strategies to manage these conditions. Understanding that maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and birth, the goal of the conference was to increase awareness of these conditions, explore how to best manage them, and generate a resourceful and supportive network of health professionals treating maternal mental health conditions in Porter and surrounding counties.  

Thanks to a generous Collaboration Challenge Grant from First Things First Porter County, over 90 professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, therapists, addiction specialists, case managers, peer recovery specialists and others gathered together at Powers Health in Hobart to learn more about the best practices to treat, support and strengthen women and their families in the perinatal period from conception through the full year postpartum.  Continuing education credits were provided to all healthcare providers attending.

While the perinatal period is often expected to be joyful, the reality is that many women experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles that go unrecognized and/or untreated. This time of life is filled with many changes physically, emotionally, and socially, and impacts not only the moms, but the well-being of babies, other children, partners, and the whole family. Untreated mental health conditions during and after pregnancy can lead to complications in bonding, delays in infant development, and even maternal mortality in the most serious cases. That’s why early identification and coordinated care are so important.

Porter-Starke Services and Powers Health are grateful for the opportunity that First Things First provided for community partners to collaborate. This partnership reflects a growing understanding that mental health and physical health cannot be treated in isolation, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. When behavioral health and medical organizations work side by side, they create a fuller, more effective care experience for patients. When a mom talks to her OB about trouble sleeping or persistent worry, she can be referred directly to someone who understands the mental health side of the equation. Likewise, behavioral health providers can work closely with medical staff to ensure moms struggling with anxiety or substance use are getting the whole-person care they need, safely and compassionately.

Birdie Gunyon Meyer, Education & Training Director of Postpartum Support International, was the keynote presenter sharing information about the prevalence of perinatal mood or anxiety disorders (PMAD), with other sessions covering hormonal changes during pregnancy, treating addiction during pregnancy, and resources available to support women in the perinatal period. Important insights on maternal mortality rates in Indiana were presented, along with the powerful role peer support plays in recovery and emotional wellness. Knowing you’re not alone and being able to talk to someone who’s been there can be an important turning point for a mom in crisis.

Learning new things is energizing.  Conference attendees walked away with information, tools and resources to support the moms and families they serve. Whether that’s making a referral, asking the right questions, or recognizing early warning signs, every provider in the room is now better equipped to make a difference.

We’re deeply thankful to First Things First Porter County for making this event possible and to all the providers who showed up, eager to learn and grow. When we support those who care for mothers, we’re investing in stronger, healthier families—and that’s something we can all get behind!