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2SLGBTQIA+ families: Unique perinatal mental health concerns

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2SLGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges during the perinatal period. Some of these challenges may be related to pre-existing or new mental health issues, partners and relationship dynamics, or parenting contexts that might be different from those of cisgender heterosexual individuals. In this webinar, we will provide an overview of the prevalence of and risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders (PMHD) among 2SLGBTQ+ parents, including non-birthing partners. We will also review some unique concerns for 2SLGBTQ+ parents including issues related to lactation and human milk feeding, intimate partner violence, and experiences of discrimination. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to two experts on 2SLGBTQIA+ health and gain access to a list of supportive resources for their patients. 

​​By the end of this event, participants will be able to: 

  1. ​Describe the prevalence of and risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
  2. Gain strategies and skills to discuss mental health challenges with their  2SLGBTQIA+ clients. 
  3.  Use appropriate language and provide affirming support for lactation and human milk feeding with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. 
  4. Identify supportive resources for perinatal 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.​ 

About the Presenter(s)

Dr. Lori Ross is an established interdisciplinary scholar in the field of sexual and gender minority health since 2005. She is an Associate Professor in the Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Lori uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches in her research work, with a strong focus on integrating the principles of community-based research. Much of her research focuses on understanding the mental health and service needs of marginalized populations to improve access to services for these communities. 

Dr. Zafiro Andrade-Romo, a medical doctor and PhD candidate in Social and BehaviouralSciences at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, is trained in clinical medicine and public health research. With 13 years of experience in LGBTQ+ health,she has been a physician, Chief of the State Department of Reproductive Health of the State of Puebla in Mexico, and public health researcher in the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico. Her current research focuses on exploring the role of autonomy in the mental wellbeing of  LGBTQ+ women in Mexico using a Latin American Feminisms approach.