We are a scientific association dedicated to improving the mental well-being of pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people, and their families, through health, science, and compassion.
We have over 400 members from across North America, and encourage involvement from individuals of multiple disciplines, including psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, general practitioners, scientists, academics, midwives, early childhood nurses, therapists, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses, social workers, community nurses, doulas, health visitors, public and other health professionals, and trainees in these fields, who support the aims of the society.
Upcoming Events
Our Scientific Conference is held every 2 years to showcase the latest advances in perinatal mental health care from across North America.
SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 5-8th 2025
Toronto, Ontario
The perinatal period --- usually considered from conception or pregnancy to about 1 year postpartum – is a time when there are unique considerations for mental health.
Perinatal mental illnesses affect millions of women and gender diverse perinatal individuals, their families, and communities every year. Pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people can experience common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, or related problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also perinatal mental health considerations for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders and other issues such as eating disorders, ADHD and more.
While about 1 in 5 perinatal individuals experience mental illness, some groups are at increased risk either of developing illness or of having barriers to accessing the care that they need to get better. This includes those who are young parents, marginalized, Indigenous and/or racialized, LGTBQ2S+ and others.
The great news is that with treatment, recovery from perinatal mental illnesses is possible for ALL.
