SOURCE Postpartum Support International

Interviews Available with Leading Experts; Sessions and Trainings
Focused on Substance-Misuse Assistance, People of Color, Fathers, and More

NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Research shows one in five mothers and one in ten fathers experience postpartum depression or another perinatal mental disorder (PMHD), such as postpartum anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, yet only 25 percent of them seek help. Nonprofit Postpartum Support International is working to change that and is bringing its 38th and largest-ever annual conference to town this week to strengthen the network of survivors and professionals that is changing the narrative about perinatal mental health.

Hundreds of volunteers, mental health professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates will gather July 9-13 at the Hyatt Regency to learn from experts in the field about the latest research and treatment developments, get trained, and work together to help shatter the stigma around PMHDs, which is a huge barrier to care. Despite their prevalence - research shows postpartum depression and other PMHDs, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis affect 800,000 people a year - many parents are unaware that what they are experiencing is temporary and treatable.

"At the heart of our work is an incredible community, and our annual conference is one of my favorite times of the year," said Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, President and CEO of Postpartum Support International. "It's when we come together to reflect on the progress we've made and find renewed energy to keep pushing forward. This year's gathering features the most extensive selection of sessions - something that feels especially meaningful to me. I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after my son was born in 1994, and it's deeply encouraging to see how far we've come in building a strong, supportive network dedicated to quality care and compassion for those suffering from perinatal mental health disorders."

A featured topic of this year's conference is substance use, with several training and breakout sessions focused on this important issue. Substance misuse is a common coping strategy for people who are struggling with mental health conditions. Nationwide, suicide and accidental overdose are leading causes of maternal mortality, and pregnancy is a key opportunity for prevention. Women are most at risk for developing a substance use disorder during their reproductive years.

Conference sessions, led by a wide variety of perinatal mental health experts, will include "Tools for Responding to the Maternal Overdose Crisis: Harm Reduction Saves Lives"; "Impacts of Institutional Racism and Family Policing on Communities of Color Access to Perinatal and Postpartum Care"; and "Building Perinatal Mental Health Care Capacity and Driving Engagement: How We Can Improve Maternal Mental Health Infrastructure in the U.S." The schedule is available here.

Parents and their loved ones should know free support is easily accessible, and you don't need a diagnosis to get help. PSI offers coordination, comfort, and peer support, helping people find the right resources online and in their own communities, including in the New Orleans area. Parents can visit Postpartum.net; call or text the PSI Helpline for support and resources at 1-800-944-4773; or download the Connect by PSI app (Resources available in English and Spanish).

PSI has an online Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory that lists specialized groups and providers with their location and insurance coverage and operates a Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation Program through which any medical provider can consult with an expert perinatal psychiatrist at no charge. PSI facilitates dozens of virtual support groups including those for military families, fathers, LGBTQIA+ families, Spanish speakers, and more.

Members of the media are invited to attend sessions and interviews are available by appointment. Contact Kim Lehman at [email protected] or 717-599-0891 to schedule.

About Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties parents can experience during and after pregnancy. PSI offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI also offers support, resources, best-practice training and certification for healthcare professionals and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate and quality care and support are available to all families. Need help? Call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit Postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app.

Contact:

Kim Lehman, 717-599-0891


[email protected] 

 

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