Perinatal Mental Health Care Pathway

• Different treatment approaches/intensities may be required depending on the severity of illness and individual preferences¹
• Perinatal care providers should provide information about psychosocial and community-based supports (in person, virtual, or hybrid models) with patients presenting with perinatal mental health concerns¹
• Most of the common pharmacological agents used to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are not teratogenic¹
• Pregnant and postpartum individuals will benefit from counselling focused on shared decision making¹

General recommendations for treatment are outlined in the PMH Care Pathway Document.

For more information see CANMAT Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety and Related Disorders.

• Seeds of Hope – Nurturing Mental Health and Managing Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders
• Postpartum Mood Disorders
• Pregnant, Postpartum and Families with a Baby
• Mental Health Services
• PregnancyInfo.ca

Self-Help Resources:

• Coping with Depression during Pregnancy and Following the Birth
• Coping with Anxiety during Pregnancy and Following the Birth
• The Pregnancy & Postpartum Anxiety Workbook
• Circle of Life

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
  • Perinatal Mental Health for Health Care Providers
  • Guideline No 454: Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
  • Provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for OBGYNs, midwives, nurses, family doctors, and other health care providers who interact with pregnant and postpartum families.
• Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CANMAT)
  • 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders.
  • This guideline's evidence-based recommendations provide clinicians with key information to promote the delivery of effective and safe perinatal mental healthcare.
  • It is intended to serve as a valuable tool for clinicians in Canada and around the world to help optimize clinical outcomes in the area of perinatal mental health.
• Provincial Council for Maternal Child Health
  • Perinatal Mental Health Guidance for the identification and management of mental health in pregnant or postpartum individuals is designed to support HCP's identify, direct, and monitor those who are pregnant or postpartum who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
  • Additional information and resources are available on their Perinatal Mental Health page.

• MOVIN - Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental health Optimization Virtual Intervention Network
  • Mental health platform where perinatal people can access evidence-based, stepped care treatment for mental health symptoms.
  • MOVIN – The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental health Optimization Virtual Intervention Network - Academics at Women's College Hospital
  • MOVIN Poster
• Postpartum Depression (PPD) Treatment Preferences Among Mothers and Birthing Parents Living in Ontario research study
  • The purpose of this study is to explore the preferences of mothers and birthing parents regarding type of treatment, mode of delivery, and treatment provider for PPD.
  • Research Study Screening Form

• Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders - ONLINE course offered by The Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). *Note: This is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Providers - Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Training (CPMHT) - offers a variety of perinatal mental health training and certificate programs on topics such as birth and reproductive trauma, perinatal grief and loss, relational-cultural therapy.
• Training - Postpartum Support International (PSI) - explore PSI's perinatal mental health webinars, certificate training and coaching available.
• "Perinatal Mental Health 101" - Postpartum Support International (PSI) - FREE 90-minute webinar offered regularly for a short introductory training.

Health Care providers can stay informed about new resources available and updates to the care pathway by joining the mailing list.