Perinatal Mental Health Risks: Using the HEAL MAMAS Tool (Ep. 473)

Today’s episode focuses on the HEAL MAMAS advocacy tool and the importance of understanding risk factors for perinatal mental health. Women and their providers need to know the risks for PMADs and the screening process. This tool can help! Join us to learn more! Sarah Baroud has been a clinical social worker for over 15 years, working in a variety of settings with children and families. She established her private practice in 2021 to focus on perinatal mental health, bringing together her professional expertise and personal postpartum struggles. Sarah works with individuals and couples through the family planning process, the postpartum period, and beyond. She serves on the board of the Massachusetts Chapter of Postpartum Support International and advocates for policies that improve maternal health outcomes. She recently testified in the Massachusetts State House in support of a postpartum psychosis bill that would prioritize treatment over criminalization. She is a wife and mom of two who lives near Boston, Massachusetts.  Show Highlights: Understanding the HEAL MAMAS advocacy tool—and why it was created Sarah’s vision for how the tool can be used by birthing people, their loved ones, and providers The HEAL MAMAS tool: Sarah’s blend of her personal experience, what she was hearing from clients, and evidence-based information about risk and protective factors A basic understanding of “protective factors” Components of the acronym:  HEAL: (Help, Emotions, Activities of Daily Living, and Learn)  MAMAS: (Medical, Apathetic, Medication, Anxious, and Support Structures) The tool’s targeted approach to address and acknowledge what’s “really going on” with someone and bring empowerment Sarah’s approach with providers who need to use this tool in their practices The tool’s benefit to be used in tandem with the traditional screening process Sarah’s next big step for the tool: a partnership with Tufts University grad students The possibilities are endless as to where this tool can be posted and circulated to reach the perinatal population and their families.  Sarah’s high hopes for the HEAL MAMAS tool in the future Resources:  Connect with Sarah Baroud:  Sarah’s Website, HEAL MAMAS.org, and Instagram Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices