Hi friends — after a summer of well-earned breaks, your PSI-MD board is back and ready to pick up where we left off! We hope you got some rest too.

As we start September, we have officially transitioned Kelley Smith and Kyra Vocci into the role of Co-Chairs. We’re so excited for where they’ll take this chapter next! And we want to take a moment to thank Lauren Thompson, who has poured three years of heart, hard work, and steady leadership into PSI-MD as Co-Chair. Lauren, we are endlessly grateful for everything you’ve built here.

PSI Maryland in Action

Growing, learning, and building community across our chapter

It’s been a busy few months at PSI Maryland! From creating opportunities for connection and continuing education to strengthening our chapter leadership and preparing for a fall filled with community events, there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes.

Over the past several weeks, PSI Maryland has:

• Brought our community together for a virtual Alliance Meet-Up, creating space for connection, collaboration, and conversation among our BIPOC chapter members working to support perinatal families across Maryland.

• Continued our commitment to education with an Education Committee-hosted seminar featuring Dr. Ilana Jackson, who presented on CBT for Insomnia and Perinatal Mental Health.

  

• Focused on growing our chapter leadership by recruiting new members to join the PSI Maryland Board and bring new perspectives, energy, and ideas to our work.

• Preparing for our Fall Climb events, bringing communities across Maryland together to raise awareness, build connection, and support PSI’s mission.

  

We’re grateful for everyone who has participated, volunteered, shared our work, or helped make these efforts possible. As we head into fall, we’re excited to keep building a stronger, more connected perinatal mental health community throughout Maryland.

Coming Up at PSI Maryland

Mark your calendars—there’s plenty happening across Maryland this fall!

Fall is shaping up to be an exciting season for PSI Maryland! Over the next several weeks, you’ll find our chapter out in the community connecting with families, raising awareness about perinatal mental health, and coming together for The Climb.

🍂 Glow Fest 2026
PSI Maryland will be tabling at Glow Fest! Stop by and say hello, learn more about PSI resources, and help us spread the word about perinatal mental health support available to Maryland families.

🥾 The Climb: Team Frederick — September 27 at the Sophia Ann Center
Join Team Frederick for a day of community, connection, and raising awareness for perinatal mental health. We are still welcoming vendors to register to table, with a $50 (or in-kind) donation! Email Meghan Matthews at frederickclimb@gmail.com for more information! Follow us on Facebook at The Climb: Team Frederick and Instagram @psitheclimbfrederickmd!

Register or Donate Here

🥾 The Climb: Team North Baltimore — October 10
Our North Baltimore community will come together to climb, connect, and support PSI’s mission of bringing help and hope to families.

Register or Donate Here

🥾 The Climb: Team Anne Arundel — October 18
Join Team Anne Arundel as families, providers, and supporters gather to raise awareness and show Maryland families that they are not alone.

Register or Donate Here

🥾 The Climb: Team Rockville — October 18
Team Rockville will also gather on October 18 for a day centered on community, awareness, and support for perinatal mental health.

Register or Donate Here

With four Climb events across the state, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved this fall! Whether you climb, volunteer, donate, or simply help us spread the word, every bit of participation helps us build a Maryland where families know that support is available and that they don’t have to navigate the perinatal period alone.

🗓️ Upcoming Events in Maryland 🗓️

• Maryland’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Open House, hosted by Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, Thursday Sept 10 from 10 am- 2 pm in Crownsville.

Register to Attend or be a Vendor

• ABC (Associated Black Charities) Community Cookout, Sept 12 from 10 am- 3 pm, at the Pikesville Armory

  Register Here

  

• The Birth Story Circle, hosted by Brittany Moffitt, LCSW-C and Nelly Hutchinson, LCSW-C is a group for individuals in Howard County who are looking to process, reflect on, and honor their birth experiences.

  Register Here

• Coming Home to a Body That Remembers: Navigating Sexual Trauma in Perinatal and Parenthood, with AnnaMarie Pemberton, LCPC, PMH-C on October 15th from 9 am- 2:30 pm EST, 4.5 CEs provided, $199

Register

• Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan, hosted by Dr. Lindsay Standeven, MD, Reproductive Psychiatrist (October 19, 26, Nov 2 from 12- 1 pm EST)

Want us to include your event in a future newsletter? Submit your request here

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

A new report commissioned by Birth Trauma Australia (prepared by the Nous Group) puts a number on it for the first time: birth injuries and related trauma cost Australia an estimated $17.5 billion annually — more than double the estimated cost of endometriosis. That figure breaks down into lost labor market participation, health system costs, household expenses, and broader wellbeing loss. It’s Australian data, not Maryland-specific, but the categories translate directly to what we see here.

The Financial Cost

Patients living with untreated birth trauma — physical, psychological, or both — often face costs well beyond the delivery. Ongoing pelvic floor treatment, therapy, lost wages from reduced work capacity, and out-of-pocket care for conditions that go undiagnosed or dismissed all add up. Pelvic floor dysfunction alone affects roughly 1/3 of people who give birth and remains widely underdiagnosed, which delays treatment and compounds cost over time.

The Social Cost

Birth trauma doesn’t stay contained to the patient. It shows up in strained partner relationships, disrupted bonding with the infant, withdrawal from work and community, and hesitancy around future pregnancies. Families and support systems absorb a lot of this quietly, which is part of why it’s underreported in clinical settings — patients may not connect their relationship strain or social withdrawal back to how their birth went.

The Psychological Cost

This is the piece most likely to reach your intake forms, but it’s still frequently missed. General population estimates for postpartum PTSD run about 3–9%, rising to 15–19% among patients with pregnancy complications or preterm birth, and higher still after perinatal loss. Standard postpartum depression screens like the EPDS don’t reliably catch trauma symptoms, so patients with a traumatic birth history can screen “clear” while still carrying significant psychological burden. Symptoms to watch for: intrusive memories or flashbacks of the birth, avoidance of medical settings or follow-up care, hyperarousal, sleep disruption beyond what’s expected from newborn care, and emotional numbing or detachment.

What This Means for Your Work as a Perinatal Helping Professional

Patients rarely name their experience as “trauma” unprompted, and won’t always disclose distress unless asked directly and specifically. A few adjustments that lower the barrier to disclosure:

• Ask process-oriented questions (”What was that experience like for you?”) in addition to outcome-oriented ones

• Consider a trauma-specific screen, such as the City Birth Trauma Scale, for patients with known risk factors (emergency/unplanned C-section, operative vaginal delivery, NICU admission, prior trauma history)

• Validate before referring — patients are more likely to follow through when they feel heard first

• Share this issue with colleagues across OB, L&D nursing, pediatrics, and primary care — birth trauma shows up in all of these settings, not just behavioral health

• Consider adding one process-oriented question to postpartum visit intake, even informally

• If you’re pursuing PMH-C certification or already hold it, this is a good week to point colleagues toward PSI’s provider trainings!

Note: the $17.5B figure and "cost of birth trauma" theme originate from Birth Trauma Australia's 2026 report, not a US-specific study — included here because the cost categories (financial, social, psychological) are the organizing theme for this year's international Awareness Week, and the framework applies directly even though the dollar figure doesn't.

Access the Full Report

Birth Trauma Support Group, Hosted by PSI

Every Monday at 12PM (EST)/9AM (PST)

2nd Wednesdays at 7:30PM (EST)/4:30PM (PST)

Led by trained peer facilitators, this group is for any birthing person who has experienced trauma (mental and/or physical) during childbirth. Did you feel unsupported during childbirth? Did you feel unheard or felt a loss of control? Have you been grieving your birth experience? You deserve support. Birth trauma is based on your perception of the experience, and no formal diagnosis is needed to join this group. Some common symptoms, but not all, that can occur after birth trauma are upsetting memories, avoiding talking about the event, and having negative thoughts/feelings about the event.

You can be at any point post-delivery, from 1-week to many years. This group is specifically focused on birth trauma and connecting with others, so you can know that you are not alone, and you are not to blame. While your story has so much value, in this space we will not explore birth story details as they could be triggering to others. We encourage you to contact a licensed healthcare provider to process your birth story. In this group, we will discuss the effects of trauma, our emotions, and coping skills.

Register Here

Q: What drew you to perinatal mental health work? What keeps you in it?

A: I was drawn in mostly out of frustration with my own perinatal experiences back in 2013 and the lack of resources and support available to families. While some things have improved, there’s still lots of work to be done!

Q: Can you share a moment in your career that reminded you why this work matters?

A: I’ve been touched by many impactful moments with parents but one stands out in particular. I was speaking with a mom who was pregnant with her second. She described a harrowing experience she had with mastitis, an abscess, a hospital stay, and severe anxiety that she was hoping to avoid this time around. She spoke of being dismissed and ignored by several providers while her condition worsened. I told her I was so sorry she experienced that, knowing first-hand how painful those experiences can be. I told her she shouldn’t have been ignored, and she did all the right things in seeking care. She looked relieved as she started to cry. She said no provider had ever apologized to her or told her it wasn’t her fault.

It’s often these types of conversations that stay with me, where parents are able to share what worries them and walk away a bit lighter. Many often internalize negative perinatal experiences as a deficiency within themselves, without understanding the intense physiological changes their bodies are undergoing within a culture and health system that isn’t built to adequately support them.

Q: What keeps you grounded outside of your work?

A: My sweet and sassy kids :P

Q: Favorite self-care ritual?

A: Escape to my hammock with a cat or two

Q: What changes would you love to see in the next 5 years?

A: I hope to see a resurgence of investment in public health, perinatal research, universal childcare, and expansion of access to perinatal support services.

Q: Coffee or tea?

A: Don’t make me pick! Coffee in summer, tea in winter

Q: How can members get more involved if they’re not sure where to start?

A: Visit the PSI Volunteers webpage at postpartum.net/join-us/volunteer/ and sign up for something that interests you.

Q: Favorite self-care ritual?

A: Escape to my hammock with a cat or two

Q: What do you think makes the PSI community unique?

A: PSI is full of empathetic parents looking to support one another - it’s a truly welcoming and non-judgmental space.

Q: What gives you hope in the field right now?

A: The passing of HB1118 Perinatal Mental Health Screening bill and the launch of Maryland’s paid family leave act - two policies that will have a positive impact on perinatal mental health!

Q: What’s one resource or approach you find yourself recommending often?

A: I’m biased but, postpartum doulas! Many still don’t know that type of service exists. Postpartum doulas help support better mental health outcomes, increase sleep protection, support infant feeding goals, educate for safe sleep, reduce isolation, and connect families to additional resources and community.

Q: What are some of the biggest gaps in perinatal mental health right now in Maryland?

A: Maryland lacks independent birth centers that could give more Marylanders access to midwifery-led births resulting in less traumatic birth experiences. Maryland also lacks both inpatient and outpatient Mother-Baby intensive psychiatric and substance use programs.

Q: A book or podcast you recommend?

A: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Q: A mantra you come back to?

“Each cycle of the tide is valid, each cycle of the wave is valid. The sea recedes and returns eternally.”

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Upcoming Events

Virtual Coffee Hour: Clinical Approach, Hosted by HRSA’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

• July 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT

• Hear from the Hotline’s Clinical Supervisors as they share common reasons for contacting the hotline, what callers can expect when they contact the hotline, how the hotline delivers immediate support to pregnant and postpartum women and their loved ones in need.

Perinatal Substance Use Disorders 101, Hosted by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health

• July 27, 2026, 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM PDT

• Join this complementary introduction to maternal substance use disorder (SUD) training, hosted by the Policy Center and the Colorado Department of Public Health. Learn how to recognize and effectively respond to substance use concerns during pregnancy, early parenthood, and with the birthing parent/child dyad.

• Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care, Hosted by Postpartum Support International

  • July 29-30, 2026 from 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM, EDT, Virtual

Register

• Advanced Psychotherapy, Hosted by Postpartum Support International

  • July 31, 2026 from 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM EDT, Virtual

Stay Connected with the PSI Alliance

The Postpartum Support International (PSI) Maryland Chapter is committed to strengthening connection, collaboration, advocacy, and support for maternal mental health professionals, community organizations, providers, advocates, and families across Maryland.

Together, we are building a more informed, compassionate, and equitable network of care for parents and families during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

We invite you to engage with our growing community in the following ways:

• Join the Alliance Become a member and indicate that you want to join the Alliance to stay connected to trainings, networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and statewide maternal mental health efforts.

  Email: membership@postpartum.net

• Complete the Feedback Form Your voice matters. Help PSI shape future programming, partnerships, and resources by sharing your ideas and community needs. Feedback Form

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter Stay informed about upcoming events, educational opportunities, advocacy updates, and volunteer opportunities. Complete this form and indicate you want to receive Alliance information.

Subscribe to the Alliance Newsletter

Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping us create safer, healthier, and more supported communities for mothers, birthing people, infants, and families across Maryland.

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

This past weekend, members of our PSI-MD community joined more than 1,300 advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, and mental health experts from around the world at Postpartum Support International’s 39th Annual Conference, held June 24–28 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

The conference brought together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, peer support specialists, birth workers, PMAD survivors, and community leaders for several days of educational sessions, keynote presentations, and networking — all centered on advancing maternal and parental mental health care. We were also among the first to learn that next year’s conference will be held in CHICAGO! Mark your calendars!

For our chapter, conferences like this are a powerful reminder that the work we do here in Maryland is part of a much larger movement — one with a shared mission to ensure no parent navigates pregnancy and postpartum mental health challenges alone! This is not your average conference- it’s so much more!

It’s the kind of conference where you can bring your baby to educational sessions, take time for yourself in the Respite Rooms, meet people passionate about perinatal mental health from all over the world, and feel at home in a room of strangers because we all get it!

Some Highlights from our Board Members:

From Teara Booker, Alliance Co-Chair:

“Attending the PSI Conference 2026 reinforced that advancing perinatal mental health requires collaboration across research, clinical care, community advocacy, and policy. I was especially encouraged by the growing recognition of doulas and community-based birth workers as essential members of the maternal healthcare team. One of the strongest messages throughout the conference was that lived experience is valuable expertise and should inform how services, research, and systems are designed. As a support group leader, I appreciated the emphasis on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces where families can process pregnancy loss, postpartum challenges, and mental health concerns without judgment. The discussions highlighted the importance of validating every family’s experience, recognizing that grief, healing, and recovery are deeply personal and rarely follow a predictable path. As a peer mentor, I was reminded that healing often begins when people feel heard, believed, and connected to someone who understands their journey. The conference also reinforced the need to strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, peer support programs, and advocacy groups to improve continuity of care. I left inspired to continue expanding education, advocacy, and peer support opportunities while helping to bridge the gaps that still exist for Black families and other historically underserved communities. Most importantly, the conference reaffirmed that improving maternal mental health requires not only evidence-based clinical care but also compassionate relationships, equitable systems, and the voices of those with lived experience leading the way.”

From Meghan Matthews, Secretary:

“One of the things I appreciate most about this conference is that expertise doesn’t come from just one place. It comes from researchers, therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, peer supporters, advocates, policymakers, and, perhaps most importantly, from parents with lived experience. Every perspective adds another piece to the puzzle.

As I sat in today’s sessions, I found myself reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of a community that refuses to stop learning. None of us arrive with all the answers, and that’s the point. We come together because we know our clients, our patients, and our communities deserve our willingness to keep growing.

Day one has already reminded me why I keep coming back. Not just for the education, but for the people. For the conversations in hallways between sessions. For the moments of recognition when someone says, “Me too,” or “I’ve seen that,” or “I never thought about it that way.”

Sometimes home isn’t a place. Sometimes it’s a community of people who share your purpose.”

Read the full reflection here

📊 How Does Maryland Stack Up? The 2026 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card

Speaking of bringing things home — in May, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health released its 2026 Maternal Mental Health State Report Card, and we wanted to share what it means for families right here in Maryland.

Maryland’s Grade: C+ 📈

That’s an improvement from a C in 2024 and 2025 — and Maryland’s strongest grade since the report card launched in 2023 (when the state earned a C-).

The national picture: The U.S. overall grade improved slightly from a C- to a C this year. No state earned an A. For the first time since the report card began, no state received a failing grade — a meaningful sign of progress nationwide, even as there’s clearly more work to do.

See 2026 United States Report

Where Maryland Is Doing Well

• ✅ Maryland now has a perinatal psychiatry consultation program for OB providers (though it’s currently focused on substance use disorder support)

• ✅ Prenatal depression screening rates are now above the 10% threshold via HEDIS measures

• ✅ Providers’ prenatal mental health treatment claim submission rates are strong — at 15%+ for private insurance

• ✅ Maryland meets the recommended ratio of MMH psychiatric prescribers (3 per 5,000 births)

• ✅ Maryland meets the community-based organization ratio, ensuring at least 1 CBO per 50,000 births

New This Year: The “Parental Support” Domain

The 2026 report card introduced a brand-new domain assessing paid leave and childcare — areas where the entire country struggled (the U.S. earned an F nationally). Maryland actually performed better than most states here, earning 2.5 out of 5 stars — among the higher scores nationwide. Maryland has public paid parental leave of at least 12 weeks, and provides 80-99% wage replacement during leave for the lowest-income families.

Where We Still Have Work to Do

Nationally, the report card flagged persistent gaps that apply to Maryland too: a shortage of MMH-specialized therapists, limited inpatient/residential treatment options for severe perinatal mental health conditions, and continued need to grow postpartum screening rates.

This report card is a tool — not just for awareness, but for advocacy. As a chapter, we’ll continue to use this data to push for the policies and resources Maryland families deserve.

Want to dig into the full report? Visit policycentermmh.org/state-report-cards or click on the link below to explore Maryland’s complete scorecard and see how other states compare.

View Maryland's 2026 Report Card

Upcoming Events & Announcements

• A Community- Centered Approach to Strengthening Perinatal Care Connections, Hosted by the Developing Brain Institute at Children’s National Hospital

  • July 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM EDT

    Register

    

• Virtual Coffee Hour: Clinical Approach, Hosted by HRSA’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

  • July 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT

  • Hear from the Hotline’s Clinical Supervisors as they share common reasons for contacting the hotline, what callers can expect when they contact the hotline, how the hotline delivers immediate support to pregnant and postpartum women and their loved ones in need.

    Register

  

• Perinatal Substance Use Disorders 101, Hosted by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health

  • July 27, 2026, 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM PDT

  • Join this complementary introduction to maternal substance use disorder (SUD) training, hosted by the Policy Center and the Colorado Department of Public Health. Learn how to recognize and effectively respond to substance use concerns during pregnancy, early parenthood, and with the birthing parent/child dyad.

    Register

  

• Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care, Hosted by Postpartum Support International

  • July 29-30, 2026 from 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM, EDT, Virtual

    Register

• Advanced Psychotherapy, Hosted by Postpartum Support International

  • July 31, 2026 from 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM EDT, Virtual

    Register

Stay Connected with the PSI Alliance

The Postpartum Support International (PSI) Maryland Chapter is committed to strengthening connection, collaboration, advocacy, and support for maternal mental health professionals, community organizations, providers, advocates, and families across Maryland.

Together, we are building a more informed, compassionate, and equitable network of care for parents and families during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

We invite you to engage with our growing community in the following ways:

• Join the Alliance Become a member and indicate that you want to join the Alliance to stay connected to trainings, networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and statewide maternal mental health efforts.

  Email: membership@postpartum.net

• Complete the Feedback Form Your voice matters. Help PSI shape future programming, partnerships, and resources by sharing your ideas and community needs. Feedback Form

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter Stay informed about upcoming events, educational opportunities, advocacy updates, and volunteer opportunities. Complete this form and indicate you want to receive Alliance information.

Subscribe to the Alliance Newsletter

Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping us create safer, healthier, and more supported communities for mothers, birthing people, infants, and families across Maryland.

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

As we celebrate Pride Month and recognize International Fathers’ Mental Health Day, we are reminded that perinatal mental health affects all parents. This month, we honor fathers, non-birthing partners, and LGBTQIA+ parents whose experiences are an essential part of the perinatal journey. At Postpartum Support International- Maryland Chapter, we believe that every parent deserves access to support, connection, and compassionate care. By acknowledging the unique strengths, challenges, and mental health needs of diverse families, we continue building a community where all parents feel seen, valued, and supported as they navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.

We are also excited to spotlight Kyra Vocci, current Fundraising chair and incoming chapter co-chair! She has been working tirelessly with PSI Maryland for several years now, with admirable dedication and passion for furthering perinatal mental health!

Celebrating and Supporting LGBTQIA+ Parents

As we recognize Pride Month, we want to highlight the importance of affirming, inclusive support for LGBTQIA+ families during pregnancy, postpartum, adoption, and early parenthood.

Postpartum Support International’s Queer & Trans Parent Support Group provides a safe, welcoming space for queer and trans parents to connect, share experiences, and find community with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of their parenting journey.

The group is free, confidential, completely virtual, and facilitated by trained peer support leaders. Due to growing interest and need, the group has expanded and now meets every Wednesday and on the second Sunday of each month.

The group is open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are expecting, adopting, and/or parenting children from pregnancy through four years postpartum.

To learn more or register, visit PSI’s Queer & Trans Parent Support Group page.

I want to provide my clients with resources for LGBTQ+ Families. What can I give them?

PregnantTogether (Instagram-based) offers a Linktree of helpful resources, merch, and a book titled Baby Making for Everybody- Family Building and Fertility for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents.

PregnantTogether Linktree

Mental Health America offers a resource guide specifically for LGBTQ+ parenting and mental health, providing education for both families and providers.

Mental health America Resources

Sheppard Pratt offers resources and an inclusive and safe environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Sheppard Pratt Resources

What can I do as a helper?

Educate yourself! Trainings are offered by professional organizations throughout the year to help ensure providers are educated and encourage them to create an inclusive, affirming space.

Some additional ways you can make a difference:

• Use inclusive language and avoid assumptions about family structure, gender identity, or how a child entered a family.

• Ask for and consistently use a person’s affirmed name and pronouns.

• Ensure forms, intake paperwork, and educational materials reflect diverse identities and family configurations.

• Recognize that LGBTQIA+ parents may face additional stressors related to social support, family acceptance, fertility journeys, adoption, or legal parenthood.

• Seek ongoing education on LGBTQIA+ affirming care and perinatal mental health.

• Connect families with affirming community resources, support groups, and providers when additional support is needed.

• Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal regulations impacting LBGTQIA+ families

Many professional organizations also provide specific education, resources, and guidance! Here are a few:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) LGBTQIA2S+

Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses

American Medical Association

American Psychological Association

Fathers’ Mental Health Matters

When we think about perinatal mental health, the focus is often on mothers. However, research shows that fathers and non-birthing partners can also experience significant emotional and mental health challenges during pregnancy and the first year after birth.

Approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, and 5–15% experience anxiety disorders during the perinatal period. The risk increases significantly when their partner is also experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

Despite these numbers, fathers are less likely to be screened for mental health concerns and may be less likely to seek help due to stigma, societal expectations, or the belief that they should simply “be strong” and support others. Yet becoming a parent often brings major life changes, including sleep deprivation, financial stress, shifts in identity, relationship changes, and increased caregiving responsibilities.

Supporting fathers’ mental health benefits the entire family. Research has shown that untreated paternal depression can affect partner relationships, parent-child bonding, and children’s emotional and behavioral well-being. When fathers receive support, families are better positioned to thrive.

This Father’s Day month, we encourage all parents, partners, providers, and communities to recognize that perinatal mental health is a family issue. Every parent deserves access to support, connection, and care.

I want to provide my clients with resources for dads. What can I give them?

There is a WEALTH of information on PSI’s website specifically for dads! Did you know PSI offers a FREE support group for dads? We also have a list of resources, books, and existing programs offered specifically for fathers on the website.

PSI's Resources for Fathers

PSI is also a proud supporter of International Fathers’ Mental Health Day 2026! Their website has a lot of resources for raising awareness, education on perinatal mental health disorders in fathers, and ways to get involved.

IFMHD Resources

What can I do as a provider?

Get educated on paternal mental health! PSI is proud to provide the Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health training. This two day training presents you with key information regarding paternal perinatal mental health with an emphasis on psychosocial dynamics and evidence-based interventions with fathers.

Psychotherapists, medical providers, and allied birth professionals will gain valuable knowledge of the key psychological, interpersonal, and systems-level factors related to fathers as they navigate the transition to parenthood.

Participants will learn to apply intersectional, multicultural, and gender-sensitive approaches to psychotherapy, screening, case conceptualization, and treatment planning with fathers via interactive lecture, multimedia demonstrations, and discussions of case studies.

Registration includes training materials and continuing education credit.

June 24-25, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA – Register Here

August 17-18, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana – Register Here

Q: What drew you to perinatal mental health work? What keeps you in it?

A: I was drawn to perinatal mental health work through the loss of my sister Andrea to postpartum depression and through my own search for a community where I could share my grief, heal, and better understand the devastating realities so many families face in silence. Losing her changed the course of my life and made me realize how many mothers and families are struggling without the support, education, or urgent intervention they deserve. I knew I wanted to help create change so that other families would not have to experience the unimaginable pain that ours has endured.

What has kept me here is the incredible community of advocates, providers, survivors, and families who continue to fight for better care and awareness every single day. This work is deeply emotional, but it is also deeply meaningful. Every conversation, every resource shared, every piece of legislation passed, and every mother connected to support reminds me why this matters so much. Andrea’s light continues to guide me, and I feel honored to help carry this mission forward for Maryland families.

Q: What does PSI mean to you personally?

A: Personally, PSI has meant community, understanding, and hope during the darkest chapter of my life. After losing Andrea, I was searching for people who truly understood the complexity of grief, maternal mental health, and the urgency of breaking the silence around these conditions. PSI showed me that no one should have to navigate this alone.

It has also given me purpose. Through PSI, I have met some of the most compassionate advocates, providers, survivors, and families who are working tirelessly to ensure mothers receive the care and support they deserve. PSI transformed my grief into advocacy and reminded me that sharing Andrea’s story can create awareness, connection, and meaningful change for families across Maryland and beyond.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: People may be surprised to know that I absolutely love gardening and have a huge vegetable garden in my backyard. One of my favorite things to grow is hot peppers, and my husband - who is a Chef at Camden Yards - uses them to make homemade hot sauce that we call “Greenbrier Fire,” named after our neighborhood.

Some of my other favorite things to grow are cucumbers for homemade pickles, yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, snap peas, sunflowers, and even loofahs - which I actually use to make homemade soap. Gardening has become such a peaceful and grounding outlet for me, and there’s something really special about growing, creating, and sharing food and handmade things with the people you love.

Q: What are you most excited about working on right now within the chapter?

A: Right now, I’m most excited about continuing to build on the incredible momentum our chapter has created around awareness, advocacy, and community connection. It has been inspiring to see so many passionate volunteers, providers, and families coming together to support Maryland parents and expand conversations around perinatal mental health.

I’m also incredibly honored to step into the role of Co-Chair this September and am looking forward to helping lead and grow the chapter alongside such an amazing team. One thing I’m especially excited about is planning the Fall North Baltimore Climb - bringing people together in support, remembrance, and hope while continuing to raise awareness for maternal mental health and the importance of accessible care and resources for families.

Q: What do you think makes the PSI community unique?

I think what makes the PSI community so unique is the genuine compassion, understanding, and lack of judgment that exists within it. Whether someone is a provider, survivor, advocate, family member, or volunteer, there is this shared understanding that perinatal mental health affects entire families and that no one should have to struggle alone or in silence.

Personally, I wish every single day that our family had known about PSI before we lost Andrea. I truly believe the education, support, resources, and community PSI provides could have helped save her life. That belief is a huge part of why this work means so much to me now. PSI creates space for hope, healing, advocacy, and connection, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of a community that is working tirelessly to make sure more families know help exists before it’s too late.

Q: What gives you hope in the field right now?

A: What gives me hope right now is seeing how much awareness, advocacy, and collaboration around perinatal mental health has grown - especially here in Maryland. I feel very lucky to live in this state. More providers, legislators, families, and community members are willing to have these conversations openly, and that shift matters so much. Watching people come together to fight for better screening, education, access to care, and support for families reminds me that meaningful change is truly possible.

I’m also incredibly hopeful because of the people in this community. I’ve met so many passionate advocates, survivors, healthcare providers, and families who are determined to make sure others do not have to suffer in silence. Seeing legislation passed, resources expanded, and more families connected to support gives me hope that we are moving toward a future where maternal mental health is treated with the urgency, compassion, and attention it deserves.

Q: What’s one resource or approach you find yourself recommending often?

A: Holistic, trauma-informed care that integrates mental health, community support, and education. I also frequently recommend connecting with trained perinatal mental health professionals through Postpartum Support International.

I encourage people to build support early and talk openly about mental health before a crisis point is reached. Perinatal mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of, but isolation and silence can be incredibly dangerous. I always remind families that asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure, and that support should never wait until someone is in survival mode.

Q: Coffee or Tea?

A: Coffee - especially enjoyed outside in the spring while admiring the garden!

Q: A book or podcast you recommend?

A: A book I would recommend is Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman. It was given to me by a sweet neighbor after we lost Andrea, and it truly helped me get through some of the darkest days of my grief. The daily reflections offered comfort, perspective, and gentle reminders that healing can happen one day at a time.

I would also recommend the podcast All There Is by Anderson Cooper. It’s such a raw, honest, and compassionate exploration of grief, love, loss, and healing, and I think it resonates deeply with anyone navigating profound loss.

Stay Connected with the PSI Alliance

The Postpartum Support International (PSI) Maryland Chapter is committed to strengthening connection, collaboration, advocacy, and support for maternal mental health professionals, community organizations, providers, advocates, and families across Maryland.

Together, we are building a more informed, compassionate, and equitable network of care for parents and families during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

We invite you to engage with our growing community in the following ways:

• Join the Alliance Become a member and indicate that you want to join the Alliance to stay connected to trainings, networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and statewide maternal mental health efforts.

  Email: membership@postpartum.net

• Complete the Feedback Form Your voice matters. Help PSI shape future programming, partnerships, and resources by sharing your ideas and community needs. Feedback Form

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter Stay informed about upcoming events, educational opportunities, advocacy updates, and volunteer opportunities. Complete this form and indicate you want to receive Alliance information.

Subscribe to the Alliance Newsletter

Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping us create safer, healthier, and more supported communities for mothers, birthing people, infants, and families across Maryland.

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

This month, we’re highlighting one of PSI’s most impactful awareness and fundraising initiatives: The Climb. As Maryland prepares for four Climb events this fall, we’re excited to share what The Climb is, why it matters, and how you can get involved as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, or future Climb Leader.

Whether you’ve climbed yourself, supported someone who has, or simply believe that every family deserves access to perinatal mental health support, there’s a place for you in this movement.

What is The Climb?

Started in 2013, The Climb is a program of Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the world’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of perinatal mental health disorders.

Each summer and fall, communities across the country gather to support parents and families impacted by perinatal mental health challenges. Organized by local volunteers, Climb events create opportunities for connection among parents, providers, advocates, and community resources while raising funds that help PSI provide education, support, and care during the perinatal period.

The Climb is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of resilience, recovery, and community. We gather in recognition of every individual’s journey through perinatal mental health complications and their climb toward healing. Together, we honor lived experiences, reduce stigma, raise awareness, and remind families that they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Why We Climb

1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mental health disorder, yet many families continue to face barriers to education, treatment, and support.

We climb because:

• Parents deserve access to quality mental health care.

• Families deserve support without stigma.

• Communities thrive when parents are well.

• No parent should have to navigate these challenges alone.

When you hear of an event called “The Climb” you may think of this:

Or this:

BUT, we want you to think of this:

Where does my donation go?

When you give to The Climb, where does your donation go? 50% supports initiatives for the PSI Chapters program, and 50% supports PSI programs. For every $100 that is donated, here is how the money supports help seekers:

• $50 is given to the PSI Chapter where the climb is held

• $20.50 is given to the HelpLine.

• $15.50 goes to support programs, such as support groups, peer mentors, and more.

• $9.50 goes to the trainings & education provided by PSI to providers.

• $2.00 is used for outreach and awareness initiatives.

• $1.50 is given for advocacy and research efforts.

• $1.50 goes to community events.

Every donation adds up and helps PSI provide free resources to every pregnant, postpartum, and post-loss person who needs them.

Donate to Team Frederick

Donate to Team North Baltimore

Donate to Team Anne Arundel County

Donate to Team Rockville

How can I get involved?

1. Donate to one of The Climb events scheduled for this fall in Maryland. If you’re like us and have an affinity for event t-shirts, register as a participant by August 15th and donate/ gather donations of at least $100 to secure your 2026 Climb shirt!

2. Attend your closest Climb event! Find your nearest climb now:

   Find a Climb

3. Join the planning committee or lend day-of-support to your nearest Climb event! Reach out to the Climb leaders below:

   1. Kyra Vocci- Team North Baltimore

   2. Nahir Cruz- Team Rockville

   3. Meghan Matthews- Team Frederick

   4. Emily Encinosa- Team Anne Arundel

      

4. Host a Climb event in your area if one is not already planned! Interested persons must complete the Climb Leader application and onboarding by August 1st to host a fall event.

   Learn More About Leading a Climb

5. Follow our Maryland Climb teams on social media!

   1. @climb_northbaltimore

   2. @climboutmaryland

   3. @psitheclimbfrederickmd

   4. @theclimbteamaaco

6. Share about The Climb and PSI on your social media and with family and friends! Consider sharing your fundraising page to gather donations that will allow our organization to continue to provide free assistance to families navigating their perinatal mental health.

Stay Connected with the PSI Alliance

The Postpartum Support International (PSI) Maryland Chapter is committed to strengthening connection, collaboration, advocacy, and support for maternal mental health professionals, community organizations, providers, advocates, and families across Maryland.

Together, we are building a more informed, compassionate, and equitable network of care for parents and families during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

We invite you to engage with our growing community in the following ways:

• Join the Alliance Become a member and indicate that you want to join the Alliance to stay connected to trainings, networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and statewide maternal mental health efforts.

  Email: membership@postpartum.net

• Complete the Feedback Form Your voice matters. Help PSI shape future programming, partnerships, and resources by sharing your ideas and community needs. Feedback Form

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter Stay informed about upcoming events, educational opportunities, advocacy updates, and volunteer opportunities. Complete this form and indicate you want to receive Alliance information.

Subscribe to the Alliance Newsletter

Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping us create safer, healthier, and more supported communities for mothers, birthing people, infants, and families across Maryland.

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

In the words of Gov. Wes Moore, “You know you’re making history, right?”

On Tuesday, May 26th, members of the Postpartum Support International Maryland Chapter were honored to attend the bill signing ceremony for SB 891 and HB 1118, landmark legislation focused on improving access to screening, referral pathways, education, and care related to perinatal behavioral health conditions in Maryland. The legislation, signed by Governor Wes Moore, represents an important step forward in recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of Maryland families during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

As advocates, providers, and members of the perinatal mental health community, it was deeply meaningful to witness this moment alongside legislators, advocates, and families who helped champion this work throughout the legislative session. We are grateful to the sponsors, supporters, and countless individuals with lived and professional experience who helped move this legislation forward, and we are proud to have represented the PSI-Maryland community during such a significant milestone for maternal mental health advocacy in our state.

A special shoutout to Claire Ernst, our Advocacy Chair, for working tirelessly to champion this effort; Mikah Goldman Berg, PSI Chapters Program Assistant Director, for providing testimony and ongoing support throughout the legislative process; and Co-Chairs Lauren Thompson and Kyra Vocci for attending legislative sessions and delivering key verbal testimony in support of these bills.

We also want to sincerely thank Senator Gile and Delegate White Holland for their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to improving maternal mental health care across Maryland. Their support of this legislation reflects the importance of continued investment in perinatal mental health education, access, and support for families throughout our state.

Exciting Transitions at PSI-Maryland

A message from Co-Chair Lauren Thompson:

I am thrilled to share with you that our Board of Directors has elected two new Co-Chairs to lead our PSI-Maryland chapter. Former Treasurer, Kelley J. Smith, and former Fundraising Chair, Kyra Vocci, have graciously stepped into the leadership roles.

Kelley has been with PSI-Maryland since 2023. She works as a licensed professional counselor in the District of Columbia and lives with her family in Prince George’s county. Since 2014, she has been dedicated to making sure underserved families in the District of Columbia have access to mental health treatment and resources. In 2021, she became a mother and shifted her focus to Early Childhood Mental health.

She is a member of ZERO TO THREE’s HealthySteps program and currently provides early childhood development support, including child development, social-emotional and behavioral screenings, development and behavior consults, positive parenting guidance, care coordination and systems navigation, and maternal mental health support to families at Unity Healthcare clinic in Washington, DC. Kelley has received her certification in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from Georgetown University and her Perinatal Mental Health Certification through PSI. She has received training in Trauma and Attachment and is working toward becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Kelley strives to strengthen family systems through establishing healthy attachment and bonding.

Kyra joined the PSI-Maryland board in 2024. She was born and raised in Montgomery County and now resides in Towson with her husband and two sons. Kyra currently serves as the Administrative Manager for the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI), where she specializes in grants administration, federal grants and contracts management, financial analysis, operations, and strategic planning.

Following the devastating loss of her beloved sister, Andrea Kolbe, to suicide in December 2023 due to complications from postpartum depression and psychosis, Kyra found Postpartum Support International online while searching for answers, support, and ways to create change. That discovery became the catalyst for her advocacy work and lifelong commitment to improving access to maternal mental healthcare, education, and awareness surrounding perinatal mental health conditions.

Today, Kyra is deeply dedicated to honoring Andrea’s life and legacy by advocating for mothers and families affected by perinatal mental health conditions. Through community outreach, advocacy, fundraising, awareness campaigns, and her work with Andrea’s Wish Foundation, she strives to ensure that no mother feels alone in her journey and that families have access to the critical resources, support, and compassionate care they deserve.

Over the next few months, Kelley, Kyra, and myself will work together to ease the transition as my term comes to an end later this year. I could not be more excited for this next phase for the organization, and I know Kyra and Kelley bring important lived experience and expertise to lead our group efforts as this life-saving work continues to expand across all corners of our beautiful state.

I’d also like to take this moment to thank former board members whose terms ended this spring. Thank you to former Co-Chair and my partner-in-good collaborator, Danelle Buchman, for her service to the organization even when across the Atlantic ocean. Thank you to Nicole Kumi, Darci Lewis, Nina Davey, and Dr. Lindsay Standeven. We are thankful you all will remain connected to PSI-Maryland through your work, committee participation, and the PSI-Maryland advisory board.

Onward!

Lauren Thompson, Co-Chair

We are thrilled to share that HB 1118/SB 891 was passed into law during the 2026 legislative session! This law represents a landmark advancement for Maryland families by codifying comprehensive support for perinatal behavioral health conditions into state law. It also mandates screenings during pregnancy (each trimester) and the first year of postpartum -- ensuring insurance coverage for these vital services, and streamlining access to specialists through standing referrals.

By prioritizing early identification, this law is a critical step forward in ensuring that perinatal mental health is treated as a standard, essential component of healthcare. As we move into the implementation phase of the law and look to the next legislative session, we will continue to advocate for every parent and family to have the resources and specialized support they need. Thank you to our members for joining us in this advocacy during the 2026 session!

-Claire Ernst, JD

Board Happenings

Andrea’s Wish Foundation Benefit Concert

Andrea’s Wish Foundation is hosting their annual benefit concert, and we will be there! PSI Maryland will be set up at The Famous Recher Theater in Towson, MD on June 3, 2026! Please come out for a fun night, a great cause, and don’t forget to stop by and say hello to us!

Buy Tickets

2026 Baltimore Birth Festival

PSI-Maryland attended the Baltimore Birth Festival last weekend and shared resources with parents, providers, and community members. It was a warm and sunny day in the great city of Baltimore, and our team enjoyed making wonderful community connections and introducing PSI to many folks who had never heard of the resources before. A great success!

PMH-C Professionals in Maryland

As of May 7th, 2026, we have 266 PMH-C certified professionals in the state of Maryland! So far, 35 people have received their PMH-C this year alone! The following is a list of those 35 individuals- with those received after this date to be shared in future newsletters!

• Jennifer Dugan

• Angela Tanner- Dean

• Anne Dalton

• Julia Hopfinger

• Alexandra Coleman

• Alexa Tweten

• Jessica Lertora

• Esther Ribakow

• Lorennia Valencia

• Emily Yee

• Laura Fantacci

• Sheena Ogee

• Jennifer Provonche

• Amelia Foster

• Michelle Greenberg

• Roshelle Kades

• Emily Saneski

• Hannah Wilson

• Dr. Siani Antoine-Isijola

• Jamie Wright

• Bridget Leslie

• Amber Norville

• Michelle Collins

• Haley Clark

• Alexandra Walker

• Melissa Byrne

• Bayla Berkowitz

• Ciara Smith

• Darci Feifer

• Caroline Anderson

• Neldina Hutchinson

• Erica Guiton

• Hailey Kerschner

• Elizabeth Bohan

• Janelle Martinez

• Jashia Pinkney

Congratulations to all who have obtained their PMH-C! If you haven’t but are interested, you can learn more below.

Apply Now

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

A Message from the Maryland Chapter

May is a meaningful month for our perinatal mental health community here in Maryland. As we recognize World Maternal Mental Health Month and Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we also recognize the ongoing work happening across our state — from clinical care to community outreach to policy and advocacy efforts.

To every provider, advocate, and supporter working to improve perinatal mental health in Maryland: thank you for showing up and moving this work forward.

Provider Insight

This month, consider:

• Screening consistently (beyond the 6-week postpartum visit)

• Normalizing disclosure of intrusive thoughts and distress

• Building referral networks with PMH-trained providers

• Integrating partners/co-parents into care, when appropriate

• Seeking continuing education in perinatal mental health competencies

• Advocating for policy and reimbursement changes

Small shifts in practice can significantly impact access and outcomes.

📍 PSI Maryland Spotlight

PSI Maryland continues to support both families and providers through:

• Training and education opportunities

• Resource connection and referral support

• Community-building across disciplines

• Ongoing advocacy efforts

If you’re not yet connected, this is a meaningful time to engage.

Join PSI

Postpartum Support International’s Blue Dot Program

Spot It, Share It, Support It

The blue dot is a universal symbol for perinatal mental health awareness, with a focus on normalizing conversations about PMH conditions, reducing stigma, and increasing visibility and recognition of symptoms.

1 in 5 parents will experience a perinatal mental health disorder (PMHD) during or after pregnancy. PMHDs are the #1 complication of childbirth. And yet — most parents navigate it in silence.

Advocacy Toolkit

That silence is what we’re here to break.

This May, Postpartum Support International and The Blue Dot Project are bringing together 30 real voices over 30 days for Connect the Dots — a collective storytelling campaign for Maternal Mental Health Month.

Learn More

Alliance Meet-Up Recap

Thank you to those who attended our recent Alliance Meetup at Oca Mocha! We loved getting to know you, sharing more about the Alliance’s mission, membership benefits, PSI resources, and upcoming events. There’s a lot of excitement about staying connected, so we’ll definitely be planning more meetups soon.

Important Dates

May 6, 2026: World Maternal Mental Health Day

Organizations from around the world are leading efforts to raise awareness about maternal mental health through a collective social media push and in-country events. #maternalMHmatters #StrongerTogether

Read More

May 3- 9th, 2026: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday, May 4 through Sunday, May 10, 2026, with World Maternal Mental Health Day observed on Wednesday, May 6.

This year’s theme is “A Decade of Voices” — marking ten years of progress, partnership, and lived experience leadership in the maternal mental health movement. Daily themes throughout the week will spotlight voices of experience, voices of care, and the global community coming together to break stigma.

The international hashtag is #MaternalMHMatters. We encourage everyone in the PSI Maryland network to use it throughout the month to amplify awareness on social media.

May- Mental Health Awareness Month

Each May, communities across Maryland come together for Go Green for Mental Health, a statewide initiative led by the Mental Health Association of Maryland and Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration's Office of Suicide Prevention. Together, this growing collaboration helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health and wellness, united by a shared message: Mental Health is Health.

Read More

May 17, 2026: Baltimore Birth Festival at Patterson Park (10am- 3pm)

They are looking for volunteers to help at the event! Sign up at the link below to lend a hand.

I want to volunteer!

Annual Member Survey 📝

We want to hear from you! Please take a few moments to fill out our 2026 Annual Survey (Even if you aren’t a member yet) so that we can learn more about what you want to gain from engaging with PSI-MD Chapter and how you might want to get involved.

Take the Survey

Please note the submission deadline has been extended to June 15th at 5 pm EST!

PSI 39th Annual Conference 2026

The PSI Annual Conference is more than just an event—it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow alongside others dedicated to perinatal mental health. Share ideas, gain new insights, and leave feeling inspired in your work!

Join us in Los Angeles, CA in 2026! Pre-Conference Trainings: June 24–25

Main Conference: June 25–28, 2026

More Information please!

If you’d like for PSI Maryland to be an exhibitor or sponsor at your event, please reach out to psimdoutreach@gmail.com!

If you would like for your offering/ event/ resources to be shared in a future newsletter or email, please submit the interest form below!

Community Events and Resources

Perinatal Training and Certification Scholarships Available

The aim of this state-funded training hub is to increase the number of Perinatal Mental Health certified providers and allied professionals who work with individuals and families during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. The Maryland Perinatal Mental Health certification (PMH-C) training hub covers the cost of 3 full training days and 3 attempts to sit for the exam.

You can find information about the certification and the requirements at https://postpartum.net/professionals/certification/

All who work with the perinatal population are invited to apply.

Apply Here

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

According to the same publication, Black women were found to be three times more likely to die from a pregnancy related cause than White women.

The answer to the poll is 80% or more.

Kelley Smith is a licensed professional counselor in Washington, DC, specializing in early childhood and maternal mental health. She works with ZERO TO THREE’s HealthySteps program at Unity Healthcare and serves as Treasurer of the PSI Maryland Chapter. She is certified in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health, and is also a certified breastfeeding specialist.

Q: What drew you to perinatal mental health work? What keeps you in it?

A: Throughout my own lived experience in the perinatal period, I was not provided with any education and minimal support due to isolation in COVID. That increased my desire to become educated and trained to be able to help families. What keeps me in the field is the need for this work in black and brown communities.

Q: What’s something you wish all providers understood about this population?

A: Collaboration and care coordination is important across disciplines to help support the perinatal population.

Q: What gives you hope in the field right now?

A: All of the advocates and champions making their voices heard!

Q: What is a common misconception about perinatal mental health?

A: Dads and non-birthing partners cannot experience a PMAD- They absolutely can.

Q: Favorite self-care ritual?

A: Popcorn (popped in a pot) and chocolate before bed

Q: A book or podcast you recommend?

A: Any book by Sadequa Johnson

Q: One word to describe PSI?

A: Non-judgmental

Q: A mantra you come back to?

A: Slow Down!

Read the full blog

Get Involved

Via Black Mamas Matter Alliance, original creators of the Black Maternal Health Week National Campaign

• Find organizations in your area that are celebrating Black Maternal Health Week and engage with their events and initiatives.

• Build relationships with your local Black-led or Black women-led perinatal, maternal, or reproductive health organizations.

• Offer your time, skills, or financial support to Black-led organizations working to advance maternal health equity.

• Use your platform to uplift Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW26) by sharing key messages, events, and advocacy actions that are outlined in this toolkit.

• Follow Black Mamas Matter Alliance and their partners via social media and the e-newsletter.

View the Toolkit

Want to champion a Black Maternal Health Week resolution in your state? Learn more here!

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!

A message from our co-chairs:

On behalf of the PSI-Maryland Board, we are thrilled to welcome you back to our community newsletter. While our newsletters have been quiet the past few months, our work to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of behavioral health related to childbearing has never been more active.

Maryland has long been a leader in healthcare innovation, yet the challenges facing parents and families continue to evolve. As Co-Chairs, we remain dedicated to our team’s efforts to ensure that every Maryland family has access to the support they deserve.

This is a time of transition for our board and membership. We are ushering in a new group of leaders at PSI-Maryland and look forward to growing our network of champions, volunteers, and donors.

We remain committed to:

• Strengthening Maryland’s Behavioral Health Network: Connecting more parents to specialized, local, and financially accessible providers whom they trust.

• Advocacy at the State Level: Ensuring perinatal behavioral health remains a priority in Annapolis.

• Championing the Workforce: Training the full spectrum of Maryland’s perinatal workforce—from social workers to nurses to doulas to counselors to community health workers to physicians to public safety officers—ensuring early detection for families and sustainable wellness for the caregivers themselves.

• Bridging the Gap: Integrating clinical care and psychoeducation with a robust community safety net of existing resources and peer connections.

Thank you for your tireless work alongside us. We look ahead to this year, no matter the challenges that come, with renewed energy and a shared vision for a healthier Maryland.

In solidarity,

Lauren Thompson & Danelle Buchman

Co-Chairs, PSI-Maryland

Annual Member Survey 📝

We want to hear from you! Please take a few moments to fill out our 2026 Annual Survey (Even if you aren’t a member yet) so that we can learn more about what you want to gain from engaging with PSI-MD Chapter and how you might want to get involved.

Take the Survey

Please submit your survey answers by May 1st at 5 pm EST!

“Honoring Us: Black Women, Our History, Our Healing” by Teara Booker, Alliance Committee Co-Chair

As a Black woman, a maternal health practitioner, an author, a healing artist and someone born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland this month always feels personal. International Black Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recognizing that we are history, living and breathing it every single day.

For me, this work is not separate from who I am. It’s not just professional—it’s ancestral. It lives in the stories I carry, the families I support, and the spaces I walk into. For over two decades, I’ve served my community in different ways—from being a firefighter paramedic to now supporting birthing people through some of the most sacred and vulnerable moments of their lives. And what I’ve learned, over and over again, is this: Black women have always been at the center of care, even when the world failed to care for us.

We come from a lineage of healers, midwives, caregivers, organizers, and truth-tellers. From the “granny midwives” who delivered generations of babies with wisdom passed down through hands and heart, to the Black women today who are leading research, advocacy, and community-based solutions in maternal and mental health—we have always been innovators, even when we weren’t acknowledged as such.

In maternal health, our contributions are profound. Black midwives and doulas have long centered holistic, culturally rooted care—care that sees the whole person, not just the pregnancy. Today, Black women are building organizations, training the next generation of birth workers, advocating for policy change, and creating safe spaces where birthing people feel seen, heard, and respected. We are shifting the narrative from survival to thriving.

In perinatal mental health, our voices are becoming louder—and rightfully so. For too long, Black women’s emotional experiences have been minimized or misunderstood. We’ve been expected to be strong, to carry it all, to push through. But strength should not come at the cost of silence.

Organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the growing network of Black clinicians, doulas, and peer supporters are helping to change that. We are naming perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, and grief in our communities. We are creating spaces where Black mothers can say, “I’m not okay,” and be met with compassion instead of judgment.

This work matters deeply to me because I’ve seen both sides—the resilience and the gaps. I’ve sat with mothers navigating joy and overwhelm at the same time. I’ve witnessed the power of support when it is culturally aligned and trauma-informed. And I’ve also seen what happens when it’s not.

So this month, I don’t just want us to celebrate Black women—I want us to honor the fullness of who we are.

• We are innovators and nurturers.

• We are leaders and learners.

• We are caregivers who also deserve to be cared for.

And our history is not just behind us—it’s unfolding right now in every birth room, every support group, every policy table, and every quiet moment where a Black woman chooses herself, her healing, and her voice.

As we continue this work, may we remember that honoring Black women’s history also means investing in Black women’s futures—especially in maternal and mental health. It means listening, resourcing, protecting, and uplifting.

Because when Black women are well, families are well. And when families are well, communities thrive.

With care and commitment,

Teara Booker, MPH, CD, ERYT 300

Owner, Well & Wise Co.

Founder, Well Rooted Birth & Wellness

There are so many wonderful events for Black Maternal Health Week, here are a few we’ve seen!

• This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re proud to support Sisters in Loss event: “Rooted in Justice & Joy.” Join us in raising awareness and creating a more just and joyful world for Black mothers. bmhw26.eventbrite.com

• Hear Her, Honor Her: A Film Screening and Panel for Black Maternal Health Week, Register to attend here.

  • Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6 pm to 9 pm
    Health and Human Services Center (Morgan State Univ.)
    4101 Hillen Road, Room 228
    Baltimore, MD 21218

• 2026 Black Maternal Health Week Toolkit, from Black Mamas Matter Alliance

  Tell Me More

A note from the PSI-MD Advocacy Chair,

Claire Ernst

The PSI-MD Advocacy Committee has been hard at work during the 2026 Maryland legislative session, championing perinatal mental health policies to support Maryland families, and building relationships with other organizations and policymakers across the state. PSI-MD drafted and submitted joint testimony in support of HB 1118/SB 891, critical legislation that aims to expand coverage for perinatal mental health screenings. Many PSI-MD members stepped up to submit written testimony and testify in person!

Beyond the committee rooms, we proudly co-led Maryland’s inaugural March for Change in February, where our advocates met with dozens of legislators to bring maternal mental health to the forefront of the state’s agenda. We sponsored the Mental Health Association of Maryland’s legislative briefing and participated in both the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) and March of Dimes (MoD) advocacy days!

The last 2 months have been a whirlwind, and we appreciate the involvement of our members in these efforts. We look forward to getting our bill across the finish line (passed by the Senate and signed into law), and continuing to build coalitions with partner organizations rooted in our shared advocacy for perinatal mental health. Cheers to April!

Ways to Get Involved

Become a PSI Member: Because of your membership, PSI can continue supporting families, training providers, and connecting people to the care they need. Thank you for being part of this worldwide effort.

Become a Member

Volunteer: Interested in getting involved? Our chapter offers flexible volunteer opportunities—from one-time support to ongoing roles. You can also find additional opportunities through PSI on their website. Reach out to us below if you want to learn more about volunteering with the chapter!

Host a climb: The Climb is a community walk and international fundraiser for survivors, providers, and members of the community to come together. We will host a climb in October 2026 in Baltimore, MD and encourage you to host one in your community as well! Want to learn more about being a climb leader? Follow this link!

Join a climb: Not sure you want to lead a climb? You can find all of the climbs on this map and join the largest event raising funds and awareness for the mental health of new families!

Find a Climb

Donate: If you’re planning to make a donation to Postpartum Support International, we encourage you to give to the Maryland Chapter—helping us directly support families and providers across our local community. Funds are used to grow trainings, outreach, and accessible resources throughout Maryland.

Donate Here

📅 Upcoming PSI Events 📅

All upcoming PSI trainings are available at the link below.

Trainings in the Next 3 Months

Alliance Mentorship Program: The Birth Worker Business Blueprint

This is a three month mentorship experience, exclusive for Alliance members, created to support birth workers in building sustainable, aligned, and thriving practices. This virtual program runs April 3- June 18th, 2026.

• Just Build It! An Intro to Starting Your Business

  • When? April 3 at 1 pm EST

  • Presented by: Tyleshia Jennings, LCSW, LISW-CP, PMH-C

  • This session will explore the basic requirements for launching a business, including applying for an EIN, identifying key business steps, and determining what aspects of your business you may want to outsource.

    Register Here

PSI 39th Annual Conference 2026

The PSI Annual Conference is more than just an event—it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow alongside others dedicated to perinatal mental health. Share ideas, gain new insights, and leave feeling inspired in your work!

Join us in Los Angeles, CA in 2026! Pre-Conference Trainings: June 24–25
Main Conference: June 25–28

More Information please!

Where You Can Find Us 📌

We will be attending the following events this month:

• National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) Baltimore Welcome Week – Public Policy Panel at Morgan State on 4/23/2026

• DMC Postpartum Shower at Morgan State University on 4/17/2026.

• Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Maryland Conference in Stevensville, MD on April 22, 2026.

• PSI-MD Alliance is hosting a meetup event on May 2nd in Arbutus, MD. Registration required-more details to come!

If you’d like for us to be an exhibitor or sponsor at your event, please reach out to psimdoutreach@gmail.com! If you would like for your offering/ event/ resources to be shared in a future newsletter or email, please submit the interest form below!

Community Events and Resources

Did You Know?

Perinatal Training and Certification Scholarships Available

The aim of this state-funded training hub is to increase the number of Perinatal Mental Health certified providers and allied professionals who work with individuals and families during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. The Maryland Perinatal Mental Health certification (PMH-C) training hub covers the cost of 3 full training days and 3 attempts to sit for the exam.

You can find information about the certification and the requirements at https://postpartum.net/professionals/certification/

All who work with the perinatal population are invited to apply.

Apply Here

PSI Provider List

Join the registry and share your listing as a psychotherapist, psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, medical care provider, clinic, support group, or affiliated professional. Providers are professionals in good standing with state or province standards, and have completed specialized training in perinatal mental health, such as the PSI PMD certificate course, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health webinar series, or other specialized perinatal mental health trainings. Join the directory and start your listing today.

Sign Up Today

The Alliance for People of Color

PSI wants to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, and providers of Color within the perinatal mental health space. Whether you are in training, transitioning, or a veteran provider there is a place for you within our community. If you are becoming a PSI member and want to join the alliance, check the box on the enrollment form. If you are already a member and want to join/ unsure if you are a current member of the Alliance, click Edit Profile in the member portal!

Become a Member

Hotlines

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

Call 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish); Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)

FREE Online Weekly Support Groups: Led by a trained facilitator. For days/ times, please visit: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

FREE Psychiatric Consult Line: Your medical provider can call 877-499-4773 to speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period.

Connect by PSI App: Easily access the HelpLine, support groups, or connect with a specialized coordinator.

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

CALL 988 provides quality, nationwide emergency mental health care.

Our services include:

• A regional call center that provides safe, supportive and confidential emergency counseling.

• Calls are free and available 24 hours a day.

• Referrals to longer-term mental health and addiction recovery services.

• Teams of mental health professionals who can meet you where you are to provide in-person support.

CALL 988 is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to care for their emotional health.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to us at maryland@postpartum.net!