Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
NURS 5030
Course ID icon
Course ID
204411
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of mental health and mental illness in order to respond appropriately to the needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Understanding mental health and specific mental illness (mood and anxiety) including their management, ie. psychotherapy, psycho-pharmacology, attachment and lifespan developmental theories; introduction to psychological disorders in pregnancy and childbirth; psychological trauma and childbirth; postnatal distress; postnatal depression; postnatal psychosis; grief and loss; psychosocial aspects of perinatal heath; impact of abuse on the childbirth experience; drug addiction and childbirth; domestic violence; psychosocial aspects of teenage pregnancy; pre-existing mental illness and childbirth.

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge of community/mental health in the context of contemporary Australian society.
  • Explain the relevance of lifespan development and attachment theories to health professional practice in the perinatal period.
  • Analyse common mental illness and psychological disorders occurring during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
  • Identify perinatal mental health issues and their appropriate assessment, response and referral.
  • Demonstrate appropriate responses to the psychological needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
  • Discuss ethical and legal practices as they relate to caring for women with a mental illness during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
  • Understand the counselling role of health professionals following traumatic birth.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A