“But she just had a baby!” The Myths and Lies of Motherhood
Conducted by Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D.
Article/Summary of Presentation
Maternal mental health complications have been long overlooked, under-diagnosed and undertreated in part because of the myths that surround pregnancy and motherhood, which paint a picture of a happy and fulfilled woman doing what she is meant to do with her life. Unfortunately, this social construct of motherhood is damaging and unrealistic. Also, when postpartum depression does get into the news, it’s misrepresented and sensationalized out of context. The hard reality is that 15-20% of pregnant and postpartum women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. That’s roughly 1 in 6.
These statistics are high. Often these mothers are suffering in plain view and in silence. There is quite a bit of pressure to conform to idealized motherhood, along with the absence of education for mothers or healthcare providers about what can happen during the perinatal time.
This presentation will go into detail about how and why mood disorders are different in the reproductive period. We will discuss the different diagnoses, screening tools, treatment options, and resources for maternal mental health. This information is essential when working with women and men who are in the reproductive phase. Without it, we are missing key factors of treatment and recovery and potentially leaving our clients at risk for continuation or worsening of symptoms.
Please join us in this presentation, gain a deeper understanding of this vulnerable and delicate time of life transition, ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, and walk away feeling better equipped to help the mothers and families who are already in your office.
Course Description
This two-hour maternal mental health presentation focuses on clinical and treatment considerations for women and families who suffer from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. We will cover some of the myths and realities for mothers (and fathers). The training covers statistics, diagnosis, screening tools, treatment options, and resources for maternal mental health complications.
Course Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- 1. Describe the complex factors that can contribute to the development of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorder (PMAD) and articulate why specialized training is essential.
- 2. Discuss and describe the common mental health diagnoses during the perinatal period, including statistics and prevalence.
- 3. Utilize and compare screening tools for perinatal mood disorders.
- 4. Explain treatment options for psychotherapy, know when to refer for medication evaluation, and apply supportive techniques for this population.
Bio
Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., is a psychologist specializing in maternal mental health. She was drawn to this specialty after going through postpartum depression and anxiety with her first child. Dr. Kat has a private practice in Claremont, Ca and runs a free pregnancy and postpartum stress support group in her community. Dr. Kat has extensive training in maternal mental health issues, including from Postpartum Support International Components of Care: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Maternal Mental Health Now and 2020mom.
Dr. Kat is the creator and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, which focuses on maternal mental health and wellness. Podcast topics range from preconception, through pregnancy and postpartum. She hosts interviews with women who have gone from struggling to wellness, as well as the advocates, experts, and healthcare providers that work to help moms and families recover and thrive.
Dr. Kat works in her community to raise awareness and support mothers. She volunteers with Postpartum Support International as the area co-coordinator for San Bernardino County and contributes to the PSI blog. Dr. Kat works with San Bernardino County and their maternal mental health workgroup to offer training to local mental health and allied healthcare providers. Dr. Kat participates in the yearly Climb out of Darkness walk that supports postpartum progress and raises awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders.
Dr. Kat’s mission is to support mothers, train health care providers, advocate for women and families, and bring discussions of maternal mental health out in the open.