Perinatal Mental
Health Training

A comprehensive course exploring mental health in the perinatal period, covering transition to parenthood, depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and the impact on relationships and infant bonding. Delivered by leading clinical psychologist Dr. Emma Svanberg.

DR. EMMA SVANBERG

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Course Modules

MODULE 01

Transition to Parenthood

This module explores the psychological shift into parenthood, examining the gap between expectations and reality, the pressures placed on new parents, and key theoretical frameworks that support understanding of this transition.

OPEN Module

MODULE 02

Perinatal Mental Health

This module defines perinatal mental health and explores the range of conditions that can arise during pregnancy and the postnatal period, including the importance of addressing stigma around seeking support.

OPEN Module

MODULE 03

The Importance of Birth (Trauma)

This module examines why birth experiences matter deeply to parents, explores why some women and birthing people develop birth trauma, and outlines the psychological treatments available to support recovery.

OPEN Module

MODULE 04

Perinatal Depression

This module covers antenatal and postnatal depression, the baby blues, and factors that contribute to depression in new parents, including the impact on parent-infant relationships and how depression presents in fathers and non-birthing parents.

OPEN Module

MODULE 05

Perinatal Anxiety

This module explores the symptoms of anxiety disorders in the perinatal period, including OCD, and examines evidence-based psychological treatments to support families experiencing anxiety during pregnancy and after birth.

OPEN Module

MODULE 06

Other Mental Health Problems

This module covers a range of mental health conditions that may arise in the perinatal period beyond depression and anxiety, including complex trauma, helping practitioners recognise presentations and respond appropriately.

OPEN Module

MODULE 07

Partners Becoming Parents

This module examines how the couple relationship changes in the perinatal period, drawing on the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model and exploring the impact of couple conflict on children and practical ways practitioners can help.

OPEN Module

MODULE 08

Impact on the Relationship with the Baby

This module explores how perinatal mental health affects bonding and the parent-infant relationship, drawing on Attachment Theory to understand how mental health difficulties influence early connections and what practitioners can do to help.

OPEN Module

MODULE 09

Looking After Ourselves

This module focuses on practitioner self-care, providing tools and strategies for those supporting families in the perinatal period to maintain their own resilience and wellbeing in their professional role.

OPEN Module

Assessment & Accreditation

• no assignment

• Assessment – OCN Level 3 – Perinatal Mental Health

• Assessment – OCN Level 4 – Perinatal Mental Health

Supporting Resources

• Printable Workbook

Supporting Resources

• Printable Workbook

Supporting Resources & Assessment

• Assignment Support

• Join the Facebook Group