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Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health

Course Points
10
Course Duration
1 Semester
Course Level
Level 9
Course Places
16 Places
Course Start Date
Wednesday 20th September 2023

One great reason to consider this course

  • This programme is approved by the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).

Course Summary

Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner.

Important notice about this course

COURSE FULL AND CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS

The days the programme is delivered in available below under course delivery.

Closing date for applicants is 11th September or until all places are taken whichever occurs first.

The aim of the Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health is to empower health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop their expertise in supporting women experiencing perinatal mental health issues and to work collaboratively with their family and the multidisciplinary team in promoting evidence based compassionate care that empowers women and aids their individualised recovery.

Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner. 

The Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will allow healthcare providers to develop their knowledge and skills in the recognition, assessment, care/ referral and evaluation of women in this regard. 

The content of the Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will include:

  • Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health
  • Theoretical/Philosophical Foundations of PMH
  • Coping mechanisms
  • Living with Personality Disorders, Anxiety and Depression
  • Living with Pre-existing/New onset Conditions
  • Trauma and Recovery (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Trauma related to labour and birth; Tokophobia; Loss and Bereavement)
  • The impact of perinatal mental health across the lifespan
  • Communication skills
  • Structured Holistic Assessment
  • Therapeutic interventions and recovery principles
  • Applied Practice.

More course details here: http://courses.dkit.ie/index.cfm/page/module/moduleId/55146

Live online classes will take place from 08.30hrs to 16.30 hrs on Wednesdays for a total of 9 Wednesdays over the semester.

20th Septemer Live on-line lectures

27th September Live on-line lectures

11th October Live on-line lectures 

25th October Live on-line lectures

8th November Live on-line lectures

15th November Live on-line lectures

29th November Live on-line lectures

6th December Live on-line lectures

13th December Live on-line lectures 

One face-to-face teaching day in DkIT will be offered to students as an option during the programme. This option will be decided upon by the student group.

Students will also be required to undertake directed and independent study.

Please note this timetable is subject to change.

  • This programme is suitable for Nurses, Midwives and Health and Social Care professionals.
  • All applicants will normally hold a relevant level 8 qualification (or equivalent), be registered with their recognised professional body and be working within a practice setting that engages with women who may experience perinatal mental health conditions.
  • Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification may apply for entry to the programme in accordance with the procedures outlined in the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
  • Applicants may be interviewed
  • Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course. 
  • Basic IT skills essential.

This Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will be of particular interest to health professionals whose work may bring them into contact with women experiencing perinatal mental health issues.

Dr. Anita Byrne

Midwife Lecturer / Programme Director

Phone: 042 9370200 (Ext. 2765)
Email: anita.byrne@dkit.ie

Jill Atkinson

Head of Section of Midwifery

Phone: +353 42 937 0264
Email: jill.atkinson@dkit.ie
Course ID DK_NPMTH_9
Course Type Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate
Study Mode Part-Time
Level 9
Duration 1 Semester
Fees €800
Starting Date Wednesday 20th September 2023
School School of Health & Science
Department Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years
Credits 10
Awarding Body Dundalk Institute of Technology
Delivery Method Blended