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A new certified course called Midwife with special competence in perinatal mental health was launched at the Faculty of Health Care Studies of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB) this year. The course is designed for midwives with at least two years of experience and was created in cooperation with the National Institute of Mental Health in Prague (NUDZ).

"Psychological problems in women during pregnancy or after childbirth, also known as anxiety, depressive or psychotic illnesses, can have serious consequences not only for the woman but also for her child," said Kateřina Ratislavová, assistant professor and co-author of the course. These problems can include a wide range of symptoms, from mild depression to severe psychotic conditions, and their impact on the mother and child can vary depending on the severity and duration of the problems.

"A woman's psychological problems after childbirth can hinder the development of a healthy bond between mother and child. When a mother experiences severe emotional disturbances, she may have difficulty establishing a loving and secure relationship, which can have long-term consequences for the child's emotional and cognitive development. In the case of a psychotic disorder, there is an imminent danger for both mother and child," Ratislavová continued, saying it is crucial that women with psychological problems during pregnancy and after childbirth receive early professional help and can talk openly with professionals about their problems.

"By completing the course, midwives will gain competence in mental health support for pregnant and postpartum women. They will learn a range of new skills, from screening for psychosocial risks to preparing a support plan for women who are being treated for psychotic illnesses, for example," said Antonín Šebela, head of the NUDZ Perinatal Mental Health Centre and course sponsor.

The training programme also includes professional practice directly at the centre. The final exam takes the form of a simulation: midwives conduct a supportive and educational interview in front of the committee with actors playing the roles of clients and their partners.

The first graduates have just completed the course and will focus their practice on early identification of perinatal mental health risks, support, education of women with mental health problems and their families or coordination of care in collaboration with other professionals.

The course is co-funded by the EU within the OPZ+ Social Innovation project.