What is Perinatal Mental Health (PMH)?
Commonly known as “Postpartum Depression,”
“Perinatal Mental Health” recognizes that mental health conditions don’t occur only in the postpartum period, but also while trying to conceive, during a loss, while pregnant, and up to one year postpartum.
Depression is only one of the range of mood and anxiety disorders that exist during this time.
Only by understanding the depth and breadth of Perinatal Mental Health can we begin to identify and treat it.
Join me in addressing this healthcare crisis that is the number one complication of childbearing.
Why is it important to talk about perinatal mental health?
Widespread Impact:
10-20% of pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people suffer from mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Low Diagnosis Rates:
Most affected individuals are not diagnosed, with fewer than 15% receiving treatment.
High Stakes:
Perinatal mental health (PMH) conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the US, according to the CDC.
Identification is Key:
The primary challenge is identifying those with PMH conditions early.
Need for Education:
Frontline providers (therapists and psychiatrists, OBs, midwives, doulas, etc.) require more education and resources to properly identify and support those affected.
Resource Scarcity:
There is a significant shortage of resources dedicated to addressing this critical issue.
Paige Beauchemin, RN, PMH-C (She/Her)
Welcome to OwlHive, where 25 years of expertise in maternal wellbeing converge with over a decade of dedicated Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) care, education, and program development.
Our first-hand experience working directly with women, birthing people, and their families ensures that we understand and address the unique challenges they face.
Our Mission
At OwlHive, our mission is to enhance overall wellbeing through comprehensive mental health, education, and program development. We are committed to supporting individuals and their families by providing innovative, evidence-based solutions and fostering collaboration among community leaders, healthcare professionals, and organizations.
Top 5 Barriers to PMH Treatment
Stigma
Many individuals, particularly within communities of color, experience discomfort when discussing PMH, leading to delayed or avoided treatment.
OwlHive creates safe, inclusive spaces for open dialogue, reducing stigma through culturally sensitive education, awareness, and support.
Navigating the Healthcare System
The complexity of the healthcare system—managing insurance, finding the right provider, making appointments, and dealing with long wait times—can be overwhelming, especially when suffering from a mental health condition.
OwlHive assists in navigating these challenges by providing parents, community, and professionals with the information they need to access care efficiently and affordably.
Education
A lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of PMH, as well as what steps to take, often prevents timely intervention.
OwlHive offers comprehensive resources and guidance to empower parents, communities and professionals with the knowledge needed to recognize and address PMH early.
Identification
Well intended, but insufficient screening, coupled with fragmented referrals, can hinder effective treatment.
OwlHive provides guidance towards high-quality, universal screening protocols coupled with seamless referrals to specialized PMH providers.
Lack of PMH Trained Providers
In a healthcare system that already suffers from a low supply of mental health professionals, finding one that has the specialized perinatal knowledge and training can be challenging.
OwlHive supports building the workforce of Perinatally trained providers by offering courses that educate providers and guide their trajectory into the PMH field, while also providing consultation around building a Perinatal focused practice.
Services
OwlHive strives to improve PMH outcomes by addressing barriers to care. Offering specialized perinatal mental health education workshops and consulting, our services provide expert guidance for supporting mental well-being before, during, and after pregnancy.
Parent Classes
Whether you're trying to conceive, expecting, or navigating early parenthood, we offer classes to help you and your support system understand, identify, and address mental well-being through every stage of your pregnancy journey.
Continuing Education
Our continuing education classes provide behavioral health and maternity clinicians, childhood health experts, and other professionals with specialized training in perinatal mental health, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to deliver compassionate and effective care during the perinatal period.
Workshops
Our workshops are designed to empower community members, grandparents, and any other supporters with the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact perinatal mental health, offering practical insights and guidance for a supportive role.
Consulting
Our consulting services offer personalized support and expert guidance to systems, organizations, practices, and professionals seeking to implement or enhance their perinatal mental health care and protocols, ensuring they most effectively address the needs of their patients and clients.
Why OwlHive?
Over a decade of providing Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) care, education, and program development
Demonstrated success in training and managing staff
Skilled at integrating user-friendly, intuitive technology into PMH solutions
First-hand experience working directly with women, birthing people, and their families
Commitment to operating from a foundation of Health Equity, to best address the needs of marginalized communities
Excellent at facilitating collaboration between multiple partners
Not sure yet?
Learn more about Paige’s teaching style by checking out her series, Fertility 101, in collaboration with Ovia Health.
Professional Affiliations and Collaborators
AWHONN
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Our Whole Lives
Lifespan Sexuality Education
NHPQC
New Hampshire Perinatal Quality Collaborative
Postpartum Support International
NNEPQIN
Northern New England Perinatal Quality Improvement Network
Greater Nashua
Smart Start
Coalition For Early Childhood Success
Nashua Family Network
Affiliate
Sign up for a class.
Whether you’re an expecting parent, a community member, or healthcare professional, our sessions offer valuable insights to support mental wellness before, during, and beyond pregnancy.
“Paige was amazing!”
“Not only was the content of the course so helpful, but the way that she delivered the information was extremely engaging and helped me retain what I learned. I am feeling more prepared in our pregnancy journey.”
-Prajna, expecting parent
Let’s work together.
Whether you’re seeking to enhance your knowledge, gain specialized training, or strenghten your clinical practice, I’m here to provide the expert resources and guidance you need. Reach out today. Let’s work together to ensure that every woman, birthing person, and family receives the compassionate, informed care they deserve.
