May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, the first Wednesday of May is World Maternal Mental Health Day (May 5), and Mother’s Day is on May 9.
This is our month, and we want to talk about IT. What is IT?
IT is the thing we don’t talk about. IT is the unknown. IT is the depths of the perinatal mood disorder that you are going through or have struggled with. IT is your individual, unique, brave story of parenthood.
IT may be slightly different for every person, every family, every parent, every professional. IT is the climb you made to recover from your Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). IT is the journey that you have taken to help bring light and recovery to other parents in need.
IT is what has brought you to PSI today: Your story, or the story of a friend, family member, spouse, partner, or someone you know that has experienced IT.
Will you talk about IT? Here is how you can help to bring light to the stigma of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
DOWNLOAD THE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
SHARE YOUR STORY- Share your IT & Help us, help more parents
START A SOCIAL MEDIA FUNDRAISER
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Join us for the 34th Annual PSI Conference
The annual PSI conference provides an opportunity to meet, learn together, and share ideas with others involved in the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). This year's virtual conference will be held in an interactive conference hall where attendees can access sessions/recordings, e-Posters, exhibits and conference information under one virtual roof. The conference will be held July 7-11, 2021 for live sessions.
Conference Schedule
- July 7-8: PSI 2-Day Pre-Conference Certificate Course, “Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Components of Care”
- July 9-10: PSI Main Conference, with keynotes, breakouts, and posters
- July 11, Sunday Morning: 3-hour in-depth expert workshops (includes 3-hour workshop required for Advanced Psychopharmacology training)
- July 11, Sunday Training: PSI Advanced Psychotherapy (6-hour) training for Certification
The PSI Conference Program contains the following tracks:
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- Integrated Care and Systems
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- Fathers, Families, and Partners
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Early registration pricing is available until June 16, 2021

Over the course of 2020, we sent out a survey link to a number of past help-seekers to get their input on the support and resources they received from the PSI HelpLine and Support Coordinators.
We received so much helpful feedback. This feedback ensures that we can continue to provide the best experience possible to our help-seekers.
Thank you to all of our hard-working volunteers for providing our help-seekers with what they need, when they need it.
Here are some kind words we received:
"I’m doing so much better, and it really helped to hear that I wasn’t alone and that I was doing a good job!"
"It was everything I needed to hear. The volunteer could not have been more helpful. She really helped me take stock and refocus."
"This was a pivotal moment in my postpartum period and life. It really saved me."
"Great organization. You have helped me a lot during the past year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
2020 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

PSI's 2020 Annual Impact Report - A Year of Resilience. This report highlights the work done over the last year. This would not be possible without the help from our many volunteers, staff, donors, and committed Board and Advisory Council members. Take a moment to download the report and see what PSI did in 2020.
PSI SUPPORT GROUP: SPANISH/ESPANOL
Grupo de Apoyo Perinatal
Cada Martes 2:00pm Este / 1:00pm Central / 12:00pm Montaña / 11:00am Pacífico / 10:00am Alaska / 9:00 am Hawaii
Nuestros grupos en el internet están aquí para ayudarle a conectar con otros padres y familias, hablar sobre sus experiencias, aprender herramientas y recursos útiles de cuidado personal y emocional. Ya sea que estén pasando por estrés, adaptándose a la crianza de sus hijos, están sintiendo depresión o ansiedad durante el embarazo o posparto, nuestros grupos están aquí para ayudarles.
Los grupos son dirigidos por líderes de grupo con experiencia y que entienden las dificultades emocionales de nuevos padres.
Los invitamos a unirse a la reunión por Zoom. Inscríbase a la fecha y horario que más le convenga. Registrese
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS
Come as you are and join other parents in one of our many online support groups. The environment is very casual, and babies and children are welcome. You are not alone, and we are here for you.
Available groups are:
- New! Postpartum Psychosis Survivors
- New! Parents Support Group
- Queer Parents
- Desi Chaat- A group for South Asian Moms (Once/Month)
- Dad Chat (Once/month)
- Birth Mom Support Groups
- Apoyo Perinatal (Spanish-language) - Los invitamos a unirse a la reunión por Zoom
- Black Mamas Matter
- Military Moms
- NICU Parents
- Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) Mood Support for Moms
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for Moms
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group for Parents (Once/month)
- Pregnancy Mood Support
Go to our Support Group to view the schedule and register
Postpartum Support International's Mind the Gap Monthly connects a network of leaders to top stories, policies, legislation, and ways to work together to ensure Perinatal Mental Health is a national priority. Read the April Edition here.
Subscribe to the MtG Newsletter
Learn more about Mind the Gap, Join the Movement, Sign the Pledge, and Download the Report
PSI Community Engagement Grant Program Deadline Saturday May 1, 2021
Who Can Apply: This grant is open to groups and organizations focused on perinatal mental health, including community organizations, support groups, healthcare systems, and PSI state chapters. Applicants must have at least one individual with an active PSI Membership. (Group memberships are also available). Learn more about PSI membership here.
Award options: $500, $2000, $5,000, $10,000: The size of the grant is dependent upon the scope of the project and the number of people served. This pilot program is limited to US entities. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by PSI state chapters and the PSI Community Engagement Committee.
Dates: Submit application by May 1, 2021 Recipients will be notified by June 1, 2021
Submit Application HERE
THE CLIMB STORE IS LIVE!
The Climb's online store is up and running! Support the Climb by purchasing COTD Merchandise.
In addition to traditional Climb t-shirts, we also have long sleeve tees, tank tops, onesies, kid & toddler sizes.
The store will CLOSE on May 31.
PSI ZUMBATHON: Virtual Fundraiser 2021
Join the Zumba Virtual Fundraiser on May 16th! Instructors include Holly Rose, Ann Saldi Zes, and more!! It is going to be amazing!! This is our 8th annual Zumbathon event for Postpartum Support International, in honor of the memory of Cindy Wachenheim.
Everyone is welcome -- Please join us and spread the word!
The suggested donation is $15 - but we will accept any amount. PayPal: Karen.Wachenheim@gmail.com Venmo: @Karen-Wachenheim Facebook Event Page
The reason for this memorial is powerful and fills us with purpose, but it is tragic and potentially triggering. Please contact us at 800-944-4773 if you need support or resources.
This Zumbathon fundraiser is done in memory of my sister-in-law, Cynthia Wachenheim. 8 years ago, Cindy took her own life when she jumped out of her 8 story window with her son strapped to her. Luckily her son survived. She did not. We had no idea just how severe PMADS could be. Until she started having PMAD symptoms, Cindy never had any type of mental health issues. It became our family's mission to bring awareness to as many people as possible. Please join us as we dance in her memory and in memory and honor of all moms and dads that have lived through PMADS!
Zumba and the Zumba Fitness logo are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, used under license
JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY CORNER
The Yates Children Memorial Fund PSI Justice and Advocacy program would like to remind everyone of our PSI Legal Resources Toolkit, which includes a protocol of best practices and a 17-minute video for attorneys who are assigned to defend a maternal infanticide case.
The educational video includes key points compiled from the live CLE seminar provided by experts in the field of maternal mental illness and the law. The day-long seminar provided practical, evidence-based, and case-based information to understand the key elements of perinatal mental illness and the criminal justice system.
The lead faculty is criminal defense attorney George Parnham, JD, an expert on the defense of individuals with mental illness and a passionate advocate for legal reform of their treatment in the criminal justice system. The video is designed to increase the competence and proficiency of professionals and advocates and discusses key recommendations, including the first and immediate steps attorneys should take when assigned a maternal infanticide case.
To request the PSI Legal Resources Toolkit, please email tross@postpartum.net
PSI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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PSI is currently looking for volunteers in the following areas:

2-DAY COMPONENTS OF CARE AND ADVANCED TRAINING
All training dates offer the 2-day Components of Care, Advanced Psychotherapy, and Advanced Psychopharmacology (unless marked)
Scheduling subject to public health COVID-19 guidance. Stay tuned!
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- September 8-10, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM
- September 14-16, 2021 in Moorhead, MN
- October 6-8, 2021 in Peoria, IL
- October 20-22, 2021 in Greenville, SC
- May 11-13, 2022 in Portland, ME (No Pharmacology)
CONGRATULATIONS PMH-C RECIPIENTS

We welcomed 71 new PMH-C's in March 2021.
The PMH-C program has experienced incredible growth over the two years, and we are excited to say that our team has grown! We welcome Apple to the PSI PMH-C certification team.
We are now offering the option to have a professionally printed version of your PMH-C certificate. The certificate is for those providers who have already passed the PMH-C exam, and are PMH-C Certified. Visit the store to order!
Do you have questions about the PMH-C? PSI hosts a monthly call where we can answer your questions! The PMH-C call is the perfect time to have questions answered about qualifications, exam preparation, trainings, etc.
Join us for the FAQ Chat on Zoom the first Friday of the month at 1 pm PST/4EST Register for the call here.
Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C) March 2020 You can find the full list of PMH-C recipients HERE
UNITED STATES |
AZ |
Sarah Weinstein |
FL |
Staci Morey |
NM |
Tamara Gardner |
AR |
Adrea Jones |
FL |
Ellen Kolomeyer |
NY |
Ruth Zalta |
CA |
Ila Bode |
GA |
Charlotte Ramberg |
NY |
Chana Delman |
CA |
Erika Galaviz-Arreola |
GA |
Monique Sims |
NY |
Juliette Kennedy |
CA |
Rachel Kane-Cooley |
IL |
Amanda Wetzel |
NC |
Casey Jones |
CA |
Rachel Brousseau |
IL |
Elissa McNicholas |
OK |
Whitney Jackson |
CA |
Rebecca Coutin |
IL |
Nichole Petersen |
OR |
Adeline Holter |
CA |
Alisha Manning |
IL |
Rebecca Corbicz |
PA |
Katharine Donaldson |
CA |
Tamika Simpson |
IL |
Brandi Ramsey |
PA |
Christina Felten |
CA |
Emily Fortney |
IL |
Suzanne Hester |
PA |
Kara Tozer |
CA |
Kristina Miller |
IL |
Laura Spencer |
SC |
Heather Stone |
CA |
Amber Lopez Molnar |
IA |
Jessica Bottenfield-Biehn |
SC |
Tyra Taylor |
CA |
Joanna Keller |
KY |
Amanda Earhart |
TN |
Jamie Harrigan |
CO |
Shannon Kaufman |
MD |
Amanda Moreno |
TX |
Elizabeth Kenney |
CO |
Tracy Calocci |
MA |
Cleide Art |
TX |
Nicole Stillo |
CT |
Kate-Lynd Murphy |
MI |
Kelly Baker |
TX |
Melissa Shiplett-Jupe |
CT |
Ariel Thorne |
MI |
Melissa Kennedy |
TX |
Laurey Tyson |
DE |
Jennifer Boberick |
MI |
Regina Baker |
TX |
Courtney Greer |
DE |
Carrie Snyder |
MN |
Brielle Stoyke |
UT |
Martha Nightingale |
DC |
Edith Mead |
MS |
Katelyn Dillard |
VA |
Natalie Gutkin |
DC |
Kristina Espinosa |
MO |
Lojine Kamel |
VA |
Rachel Featherstone |
DC |
Caitlyn Neithercut |
NE |
Chelsie Sutton |
WA |
Erin Heintzelman |
FL |
Nicole Jones |
NJ |
Rachel Shmuts |
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CANADA |
PUERTO RICO |
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BC |
Girn Randip Rita |
PR |
Zilkia Rivera-Orraca |
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ON |
Kirsten Dezort |
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