While motherhood is culturally perceived as a ‘happy’ period in life, there are several mental health conditions that may present during pregnancy and postpartum. These are identified under the term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders (PMADs). Up to 1 in 5 women will suffer from a mental health disorder like postpartum depression and less than 15% will receive treatment. Given the social determinants of health affecting Latinx, they may be at a higher risk for developing symptoms. PMADs have an adverse effect on mothers, fathers/partners, mother–infant interactions, and infant outcomes, which makes early detection and treatment essential for the overall well-being of families.
Objectives
Presenter: Marianela Rodríguez, PhD, PMH-C
Dr. Marianela Rodriguez-Reynaldo is a Clinical Psychologist, certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist, postpartum doula, and Certified Lactation Educator. She completed her master’s degree at Xavier University in Ohio and went on to complete her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the Carlos Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She has worked in diverse clinical and community settings for over 20 years. Over the last 10 years she has exclusively worked with the perinatal population in private practice, community programs and as an advocate for reproductive justice. She coordinated and led support groups for parents with perinatal loss, serves as the Postpartum Support International Coordinator in Puerto Rico and currently is a Consultant for the Puerto Rico Health Department, Mother, Child and Adolescent Division.