Perinatal Mental Health

One great reason to consider this course
This programme is approved by the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).

Course Summary
Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner.

The aim of the Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health is to empower health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop their expertise in supporting women experiencing perinatal mental health issues and to work collaboratively with their family and the multidisciplinary team in promoting evidence based compassionate care that empowers women and aids their individualised recovery.

Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner.

The Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will allow healthcare providers to develop their knowledge and skills in the recognition, assessment, care/ referral and evaluation of women in this regard.

This Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will be of particular interest to health professionals whose work may bring them into contact with women experiencing perinatal mental health issues.

The content of the Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will include:

Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health
Theoretical/Philosophical Foundations of PMH
Coping mechanisms
Living with Personality Disorders, Anxiety and Depression
Living with Pre-existing/New onset Conditions
Trauma and Recovery (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Trauma related to labour and birth; Tokophobia; Loss and Bereavement)
The impact of perinatal mental health across the lifespan
Communication skills
Structured Holistic Assessment
Therapeutic interventions and recovery principles
Applied Practice.

This programme is suitable for Nurses, Midwives and Health and Social Care professionals.

All applicants will normally hold a relevant level 8 qualification (or equivalent), be registered with their recognised professional body and be working within a practice setting that engages with women who may experience perinatal mental health conditions.

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification may apply for entry to the programme in accordance with the procedures outlined in the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

Applicants may be interviewed

Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.

Basic IT skills essential.

How to Apply
Applications will open in late Spring 2023

Places will be limited to the first 20 eligible candidates who are offered a place on the programme.

Applicants should also include a copy of their CV, NMBI (or professional) registration and academic transcripts, with their application.

All programmes are delivered subject to demand.

10

1 Semester.

Live online classes will take place from 9am to 5pm on Wednesdays for a total of 9 Wednesdays over the semester.

Students will also be required to undertake directed and independent study.

Please note this timetable is subject to change.

Fees €800

Starting Date September 2024

Jill Atkinson (Head of Section of Midwifery)
Phone: +353 42 937 0264
Email: jill.atkinson@dkit.ie

Dr. Geraldine O’Connor (Head of Section Part time Courses School of Health and Science)
Phone: +353 42 9370200 Ext 2736
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie