04 Mindful Motherhood: A Look at Perinatal Mental Health

This week host Diane Ortega welcomes back Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Together, they explore the critical and often overlooked topic of women’s mental health, including maternal mental health, perinatal care, and the role of midwives and healthcare providers in supporting holistic wellness. Key Topics Covered: The State of Women’s Mental Health: Why women are 2-3 times more likely than men to experience a mental health condition and the societal, hormonal, and cultural factors behind this disparity. Effective Screening Tools: Discussion on tools like the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and MDQ, and why a comprehensive approach is crucial to identifying depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in women. Cultural Competence in Mental Health Care: The importance of matching women with providers who understand their unique experiences, with a focus on BIPOC and culturally congruent care initiatives in Arizona. Addressing Trauma and PTSD in Women: How trauma, including birth trauma and sexual trauma, impacts women’s health, and why somatic and body-based therapies, like EMDR, are game-changers for recovery. Self-Care Beyond the Surface: Practical self-care approaches like the “Snowball Tips” and how they can be applied to improve mental well-being and prevent burnout. Join the Conversation:  If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends and community. Your voice helps us reach more women, create a stronger support system, and spread the knowledge we all deserve. Remember: You’re not alone in your journey—together, we can foster a community of empowered, informed women. Resources Mentioned: Postpartum Support International (PSI) Get Help- Find Support - Resources: https://www.postpartum.net Perinatal Mental Health Training: https://www.postpartum.net/training/ Postpartum Support International – Arizona Chapter: https://psiarizona.org 4th Trimester Arizona-Parent resources & support villages: https://4thtrimesteraz.org/parent/ MOPS: https://www.themom.co/home Arizona Perinatal & Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line (APAL):  888-290-1336 for free clinical guidance for obstetric & pediatric providers M-F 8:30am-4:30pm National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (call or text 24/7) Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): https://www.cope.org.au/health-professionals/health-professionals-3/calculating-score-epds/ Recommended Reads: Nobody Told Me About That: Surviving and Thriving the Early Weeks of Parenting by Ginger Breedlove The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Johnson Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman Seven Sisters for Seven Days: The Mothers’ Manual for Community Based Postpartum Care by Michelle Peterson  The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Certificate, Women's Health Specialty: https://cgi.edu/ibh-women/ Trauma Informed Care Certificate: https://cgi.edu/tic/ Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/ Website: themidwifelife.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/