LGBTQ+ Perinatal Mental Health

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LGBTQ+ Tip Sheet

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LGBTQ+ Slide Deck

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‍Key Mental Health Considerations for LGBTQ+ Perinatal Individuals:

     
  • Research has not captured the complexities of LGBTQ+ family building, but in general, LGBTQ+ individuals report increased rates of poor childbirth experience, and pregnancy and postpartum complications.
  • Trans and nonbinary individuals may experience increased gender dysphoria and distress during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Being LGBTQ+ does not inherently mean one experiences increased rates of mental illness. Rather, the stigma, lack of affirming care, discrimination, feelings of isolation, and other LGBTQ+ unique stressors contribute to poorer mental health outcomes.

 

Risk Factors / Barriers to Care:

  • Fear of discrimination and mistreatment.
  • Lack of inclusive and affirming healthcare.
  • Lack of provider knowledge about LGBTQ+ family building.
  • Federal and state laws and legislation.
  • Gendered language and assumptions in perinatal care.

 

Protective Factors:

  • Support from LGBTQ+-affirming providers and communities.
  • Access to gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ specific resources.
  • Use of correct name and pronouns.
  • Inclusive policies.
  • Positive identity development and social connections.

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Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Perinatal Care Strategies:

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1. Create an Inclusive Environment:

     
  • Use gender-neutral language.
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  • Offer gender-affirming options on forms, use open ended questions as much as possible.

2. Ensure Affirming Communication:

     
  • Ask and use the patient’s correct name and pronouns.
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  • Avoid assumptions about relationships and family structures.
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  • Mirror the patient's preferred terminology.
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  • If you make a mistake, apologize and move on.
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3. Prioritize Mental Health Screenings:

     
  • Regularly screen for perinatal mental health symptoms.
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  • Offer referrals to LGBTQ+-affirming mental health providers.
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4. Empower Patient Autonomy:

     
  • Give patients control over their care plan.
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  • Offer informed choices about gender-affirming perinatal options.
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5. Support Advocacy:

     
  • Help patients navigate healthcare systems.
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  • Collaborate with other medical providers.
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  • Provide access to LGBTQ+-specific resources.
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Practical Tips for Collaborative Care Managers:

  • Educate yourself and all members of your team on LGBTQ+ inclusive practices. Do not ask or allow your patients to educate you.
  • Foster a culture of trust, respect, and empowerment.
  • Be mindful of potential triggers related to gender dysphoria.
  • Address social determinants of health that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Resources:

  • LGBTQ+ perinatal mental health support groups.
  • National LGBTQ+ health organizations and advocacy groups.
  • Online directories for LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers.

 

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