Hudson Valley Birth Network P resents: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS OF TRANSGENERATIONAL TRAUMA & RACISM ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH Presented by Dr. Sayida Peprah Sa t u r d a y , O c t o ber 24 , 202 0 1 2 : 0 0 p m – 2 : 0 0 p m ( E T ) WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: I t i s n o w w i d e l y k n o w n t h a t A f r i c a n A m e r i c a ns ar e fo u nd t o b e b e t w ee n 2 - 6x m o r e l i k e l y t o d i e f r o m p reg n a n c y - r e la t e d complications than their White American counterparts S i m i larl y , s t ud i e s h a ve i n d i c a t e d t h a t A f r i c a n A m e r i c a ns ar e 2 - 3 x m o r e l i k e l y t o ex p e r ie n c e pr e t e r m b i r t h a nd 3 x m o r e l i k e l y t o gi ve b i r t h t o a l o w b i r t h w eig h t b a b y E v e n when s o c i o - e c o n o m i c factors are controlled for , t h e disparities remain significant. Race - related stressors have been linked to negative maternal/perinatal health outcomes. Of the many race - related stressors that exist for a pregnant African Americans, the experience of being under the care of a provider who lacks cultural sensitivity, humility, congruence and competence has been identified as a significant stressor and trigger as well. This presentation will focus on increasing the competence, sensitivity and humility of maternal/ perinatal care providers, in an effort to promote t he establishment of trauma - free, supportive care environments for African Americans and other people of color. In addition, this presentation will focus on increasing provider’s ability to identify any significant coping vulnerabilities and also recognize the resilience and strengths of their clients/patients, which is essential in developing individualized and holistic treatment goals/interventions to improve maternal/perinatal mental health and physical health outcomes. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Describe how historical trauma and racism has impacted African American maternal/perinatal health outcomes. 2. Detect, identify and assess for significant coping vulnerabilities and strengths among African Americans, which can impact maternal/perinatal mental and physical health. 3. Construct support strategies and interventions for pregnant, birthing and postpartum African American clients. PRESENTER BIO: Dr. Sayida Peprah is both a licensed cli nical psychologist and trained birth doula. She specializes in multicultural psychology, trauma, suicide prevention and maternal mental health. Dr. Sayida has a multifaceted career as a psychologist having worked in community - based, in - home, psychiatric ho spital, correctional and private practice settings. She is also a trainer and consultant on topics of cultural humility, implicit bias and trauma as they impact mental and maternal health. Dr. Sayida is the Founder and Executive Director of the non - profit organization Diversity Uplifts, Inc.