ICH003 - Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Course Description

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the number one complication of pregnancy and childbirth and encompass a spectrum of emotional challenges affecting expectant or new parents during pregnancy or up to a year after birth. These illnesses can also impact partners, caregivers, non-birthing parents, adoptive parents, surrogates, and those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The course will give you education and strategies to support people and their support systems who are living with disruptive disorders. This course also introduces different ways of knowing in mitigating and supporting the treatment of PMADs through culturally responsive practices.

This course will be available for registration on May 1, 2025.

TRC Calls to Action

Health #18, #19, #20, #22, and #23

This course supports the TRC Calls to Action in the health sector. This course exists today because of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action supporting Indigenous health.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding, skills, abilities, attitude, and awareness to:

1. Identify the types, symptoms, and impact of PMADs.
2. Identify risk factors, early warning signs, and barriers to perinatal wellness care.
3. Identify the historical, systemic, and cultural factors that influence Indigenous experiences of PMADs.
4. Provide trauma-informed and culturally safe support to families.
5. Identify screening and assessment tools for PMADs.
6. Identify appropriate supporting strategies or resources to treat PMADs.
7. Promote self-care and coping strategies.
8. Advocate for awareness and systemic changes.

Skills and Competencies

• Culturally responsive birth support techniques for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
• Analytical thinking about supporting perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• Cultural awareness and re-awakening in perinatal situations.
• Knowledge application of support around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Summary

• Number of hours: 4 hours total 

• Assessment: Learners must achieve 70% on the Knowledge Check to pass the course. The Knowledge Check allows multiple attempts. An incomplete course will count as a fail.

• Previous education required: None; this course does not have a required prerequisite.

• Delivery: Online, self-paced

• Completion timeline: Within 180 days from when you enroll in the course.

• Applies toward the following certificates: Perinatal MicroCredential or MicroCertificate in Advanced Perinatal Support.

FAQ's

Is this course for everyone?

• Yes, this course is relevant to anyone interested in learning more about different ways of knowing in mitigating and supporting the treatment of PMADs through culturally responsive practices.

Some individuals and organizations may be GST-exempt.

• First Nations University of Canada is situated on the Star Blanket First Nation and is exempt from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). If you or your organization are exempt from Government Sales Tax (GST), please get in touch with icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca to ensure that your invoice is prepared accordingly.

I need financial support. What funding options does ICEC recommend?

• Check out our Funding Opportunities here. 

Who do I contact if I need help?

• Check out ICEC's Learner Support page to see if your question is answered in the FAQs. If your question remains unresolved, feel free to complete the form with your question, or you may contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca for assistance with any questions. We are here to help! Support requests are received during regular office hours. Please expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.