As the festive season begins we're excited to connect with loved ones and enjoy special activities, but we are also reminded that it can be a difficult time to work through grief, loss, or anxiety.
It is important to slow down, connect with your needs, and make space to process complex emotions that may arise during the holiday season. Some helpful questions to ask yourself may be:
Is this tradition draining or energizing?
What parts of my to-do list are self-imposed?
How am I making time and space for myself today?
How can I ask for help today?
What does this holiday mean to me personally?
What would help me be more present today/this week/this month?
For more, these resources can help you navigate the holidays:
At Seleni, we're grateful for our team of talented and caring clinicians, committed staff, invaluable partner organizations, and YOU — the community that values supporting mothers, wants to get real about mental health, and thinks no one should have to navigate their birthing years alone. We wish you a healthy start to the holiday season!
Giving Season @ Seleni
Seleni x Crayola Flowers
Looking for a way to infuse more meaning into your gift-giving this holiday season? Seleni has partnered with Crayola Flowers to offer fresh flowers shipped directly to your loved ones (or yourself!)
Crayola Flowers works directly with growers, and a portion of your order will support Seleni's mission of making maternal mental health a worldwide priority.
Seleni's goal of making maternal mental health an accessible, global priority continues to expand, and we need your help.
As a mental health advocate, you have the opportunity to help us expand our community of trained professionals, reach new groups in need, and provide scholarships to early-career professionals and students.
What we do wouldn't be possible without you. Thank you for your commitment to maternal mental health, and helping us change the lives of mothers and children everywhere!
Give - make a tax-deductible donation to help us destigmatize and combat maternal mental health conditions.
Connect- introduce our work with your community by sharing our newsletter and Instagram, or connect with us on LinkedIn.
Share - Do you have work we can amplify, or want to share your thoughts about maternal mental health with us? Email us at programs@seleni.org and connect with us on social media.
November Insights
Doula Access Expands in New York State
Beginning in January, more New Yorkers will have access to doula support during pregnancy, thanks to new legislation that establishes Medicaid reimbursement for doula services.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, studies show that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50 percent, and the length of labor by 25 percent.
This course, which contributes to your hourly requirement, provides the knowledge and tools you need to provide culturally sensitive, respectful, and mindful care to effectively support the Black birthing community. Support and advocate for your clients as they navigate the perinatal period!
Current Offers
Spanish Training Opportunity from Postpartum Support International
We are excited to share the news that Postpartum Support International is offering upcoming two trainings in Spanish!
40% of Black women experience maternal mental health challenges - nearly twice the rate of all women.
This free lesson from Seleni's full-length online course, the Black Perinatal Mental Health Training, helps equip clinicians to provide culturally sensitive, respectful, and mindful care to Black birthing individuals and families.
Complex Conversations in Healthcare: Communicating Effectively with Patients and Families
Research shows that 91% of healthcare professionals perceived delivering bad news as a very important skill, but only 40% felt they had the training to effectively deliver such news.
Dr. Christiane Manzella, PhD, is the lead educator in our newest course"Complex Conversations in Healthcare: Communicating Effectively with Patients and Families".
