Perinatal Mental Health Training Course

Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Mental health difficulties during this period are common and can have serious consequences for parents, babies, and families if not recognised and supported early.

This free Perinatal Mental Health Training Course equips health and social care staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise perinatal mental health needs, respond appropriately, and support individuals and families safely, sensitively, and effectively.

Why Take This Course?

Up to one in five women experience mental health problems during pregnancy or the postnatal period. These conditions often go unrecognised due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to support.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand perinatal mental health and why it matters
• Recognise common perinatal mental health conditions and symptoms
• Identify risk factors and early warning signs
• Support timely assessment, screening, and referral
• Understand safeguarding responsibilities in the perinatal period
• Work confidently with families and multi-agency teams
• Promote inclusive, culturally sensitive, and person-centred care

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define perinatal mental health and explain its significance
• Identify common perinatal mental health disorders and their symptoms
• Recognise risk factors and the impact on parents, infants, and families
• Understand screening and assessment tools used in practice
• Describe evidence-based treatment and support options
• Apply safeguarding and risk management principles
• Communicate effectively with parents and families
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and multi-agency services
• Understand the principles of medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Perinatal Mental Health Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Learners will be introduced to perinatal mental health and its significance during pregnancy and the postnatal period. This module explains why mental health at this time matters and explores the impact of perinatal mental health difficulties on women, infants, and families, highlighting the importance of early awareness and support.

Module 2: Recognising Perinatal Mental Health Disorders
This module focuses on common perinatal mental health conditions. Learners will explore typical symptoms and gain an understanding of how prevalent these conditions are. The module supports learners to recognise early signs and understand when concerns may require further assessment or support.

Module 3: Risk Factors and Impacts
Learners will examine key risk factors that increase vulnerability to perinatal mental health difficulties. This module explains the potential short- and long-term impacts on the mother, infant, and wider family, as well as the risks associated with untreated conditions. A knowledge check reinforces learning.

Module 4: Assessment and Screening Techniques
This module explores how perinatal mental health is assessed in practice. Learners will understand the importance of early detection and intervention, as well as the use of recognised screening tools to identify concerns and guide appropriate referrals and support.

Module 5: Treatment and Support Options
Learners will explore evidence-based treatment approaches for perinatal mental health conditions, including psychological therapies and medication. This module highlights the role of multidisciplinary teams and the importance of supporting healthy parent–infant relationships as part of holistic care.

Module 6: Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity
This module focuses on the importance of cultural sensitivity in perinatal mental health care. Learners will explore barriers that may prevent people from accessing support and consider how to provide inclusive, equitable, and culturally appropriate care. A knowledge check supports understanding.

Module 7: Safeguarding and Risk Management
Learners will examine safeguarding principles specific to the perinatal period. This module explores risks to both the infant and the parent and outlines how risks can be identified, managed, and reduced through appropriate safeguarding and risk management practices.

Module 8: Supporting Families
This module develops learners’ skills in supporting families affected by perinatal mental health difficulties. Learners will explore effective communication strategies, ways to involve families in care, and how to provide both emotional and practical support.

Module 9: Medication Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Learners will explore the principles of prescribing and managing psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This module considers the risks and benefits of medication use and emphasises evidence-based decision-making to support safe and informed care. A knowledge check consolidates learning.

Module 10: Multi-Agency Partnership Working
In the final module, learners will examine the role of multi-agency working in perinatal mental health care. This includes understanding collaboration between services and the role of specialist provision, such as mother and baby units, in delivering coordinated and effective support.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers
• Midwives and maternity support staff
• Health visitors and early years practitioners
• Mental health practitioners
• Social workers and family support staff
• Care workers supporting parents and infants
• Anyone working with pregnant people or new parents

It is ideal for induction training, refresher learning, safeguarding training, and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course suitable for non-clinical staff?
Yes. The course is designed for both clinical and non-clinical roles and focuses on awareness, recognition, and appropriate response.

Does this course train learners to diagnose conditions?
No. The course supports recognition and referral, not diagnosis.

Is safeguarding covered?
Yes. Safeguarding principles and risk management in the perinatal period are a key part of the course.

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 1 hour, depending on prior knowledge.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is issued on successful completion.

Supporting mental health during pregnancy and after birth improves outcomes for parents, strengthens parent-infant relationships, and protects long-term child development. Early recognition and compassionate, informed responses save lives and improve wellbeing across families and communities.

Enrol on the Perinatal Mental Health Training Course today

Build confidence, strengthen safeguarding practice, and support families when they need it most.