Becoming a parent can be one of the most joyful and life-changing experiences, but for many new mothers and birthing people, it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. Postnatal depression (PND) affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK after childbirth, and in some cases, it can also affect fathers and partners.
This free Postnatal Depression online course helps health and social care professionals, support workers, and caregivers understand, identify, and respond to postnatal depression with empathy, sensitivity, and confidence.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
Postnatal depression can deeply affect an individual’s wellbeing, relationships, and ability to bond with their baby. Early recognition and appropriate support can make a significant difference to recovery and family life.
This course provides an essential understanding of how to recognise symptoms, assess risk, and support individuals experiencing postnatal depression in a compassionate and informed way.
You’ll learn how to:
- Differentiate between baby blues and postnatal depression
- Recognise emotional, physical, and behavioural signs of PND
- Use validated screening tools to identify depression early
- Support individuals and families through recovery and treatment
- Understand referral pathways and when urgent action is required
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define postnatal depression and explain its prevalence and risk factors.
- Distinguish between baby blues, postnatal depression, and postpartum psychosis.
- Recognise the symptoms and effects of postnatal depression on the individual, infant, and family.
- Understand the use of screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Whooley questions.
- Conduct or contribute to a comprehensive risk assessment in line with UK guidelines.
- Explain treatment options, including talking therapies (CBT), medication, and self-help strategies.
- Identify urgent signs that require immediate referral or crisis support.
- Demonstrate how multi-agency working improves outcomes for families.
- Recognise the influence of cultural, social, and individual factors in PND experiences.
- Understand the importance of training, supervision, and reflective practice in perinatal mental health care.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for:
- Health and social care workers supporting families after childbirth
- Midwives, health visitors, maternity support workers, and GP practice staff
- Support workers, family support practitioners, and early years staff
- Mental health professionals working with new parents
- Anyone wishing to improve awareness and confidence in supporting postnatal mental health
No prior specialist training is required — this course is suitable for all staff providing care and support to parents and families.
FAQ
Is this course relevant to UK practice?
Yes. It’s designed for UK health and social care professionals and aligns with national standards and best-practice frameworks.
How long does the course take?
The course typically takes 1–2 hours to complete.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a Postnatal Depression Training Course certificate upon completion.
Do I need clinical experience?
No. The course is suitable for anyone in a health, social care, or early years setting.
Does the course cover fathers and partners?
Yes. It explores how postnatal depression can affect all parents and carers, including partners and fathers.
Is this course CPD accredited?
Not currently, we are applying for CPD accreditation.
Postnatal depression is treatable, but many people go undiagnosed or unsupported due to stigma, lack of awareness, or missed opportunities for help. By completing this free course, you’ll gain the confidence and understanding to recognise the signs early, provide compassionate support, and know when and how to refer for help.
Build your knowledge, empathy, and confidence to support new parents through recovery and promote healthy, happy families.
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Postnatal Depression Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Postnatal Depression Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
