Meeting recap - February 28, 2022

Welcome
Thanks to the 28 participants who joined us for this meeting on Zoom!


News & Resource Sharing

• PMHPSG Future 2022 Meeting Dates:
  Tu, 5/03/22 3-4:30pm
  F, 9/16/22 11:30-1pm
  W, 11/30/22 8:30-10am
  
  
• Google Group (vs. Mail Chimp list):  Remember - we can all share resources with (or ask for help from) one another in ‘real time’ via our google group! To join our resource/ info sharing platform, please participate in at least one meeting and introduce yourself to the group. After doing so, search Google Groups for “Baltimore Perinatal Mental Health Professional Study Group” + request an invite. Email Sara with questions: info@pmhpsgbaltimore.com
  
  
• Revisiting the structure and focus of this group:  This professional study group was formed in 2015, with the intention of connecting Baltimore-area perinatal mental health champions like yourselves! In addition to connecting people, formation of the group sought to provide a forum for learning with (and from!) one another about perinatal mental health topics. The group has grown to a Mail Chimp email list of over 200 people, and a google group community of more than 75 incredible individuals. Typically we have between 15 and 35 people attend meetings. Recently there has been increasing activity on the Google Group list - with participants sharing referrals, group info, and more (yay!). Pre-pandemic, our meetings were held only in person, but Zoom has allowed us to continue our connection remotely for now. We currently meet on Zoom - to introduce ourselves, share resources, discuss what we’ve ‘studied’ on perinatal mental health topics, and more. Study Group participation is free-of-charge; the group does not have dues or fees, and therefore we do not have a budget. It’s important to note: this forum is not intended to provide ‘presentations’ on identified topics, but rather a space for shared exploration and professional connection and development. At times we’ve had outside speakers present on certain topics, but this is the exception rather than the rule (also, with no dues/ budget, we are not in a position to pay for speakers). In order to continue and thrive, the group requires the participation and input of everyone attending the meetings.
  
  
• Meeting planning for 2022:  Four specific topics/ areas of interest were identified by attendees of our November 2021 meeting, as priority for 2022 meetings: Marijuana; Queer & Transgender Birth Experiences; Breastfeeding; Interpersonal Violence (IPV). In order to adequately plan and prepare for informed discussions on these identified topics, we need advanced input and expertise from all participants.
  
  → VOTE: What topic should our learning and discussion focus on at the May 3rd meeting? 
  And..... what info/ content can you commit to contributing, related to that topic?
  
  You’re invited (URGED!) to share readings/ podcasts/ etc about these and other perinatal mental health-related topics via the shared google group, and for meeting planning/ preparation purposes. Also, if you would like to lead a discussion or present on a certain topic (or invite someone in to present) at a future meeting – or to present a case – please let Sara know with as much notice as possible. Thank you!
  
  
• Support Groups:  There continue to be more support groups offered locally (yay!) and online; please keep sharing info about local groups via our Google Group. Many thanks to Nicole Leistikow, MD - for starting the shared google doc! This spreadsheet lists Baltimore-area perinatal-related groups, mental health providers, and various other service providers for perinatal issues. Study group participants --once part of the Google group-- can access the document and add their own info, so we can all share broadly.

Discussion Topic: Perinatal OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
Which of the suggested content (articles and podcasts) did you ‘digest’ prior to today’s meeting? Do you have
other related articles, podcasts, or videos to share with the group? Please share your thoughts, questions,
treatment techniques, and related case scenarios. There is so much to tackle on this topic, and a tremendous
wealth of expertise in our Zoom room. Thank you for your curiosity, contributions, and participation!


So glad you could join us today!

Hope to see you at our next meeting, on
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 ~ 3:00-4:30pm.

Until then, take good care, and stay safe!