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Postnatal Support Network

Sep 10: World Suicide Prevention Day

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Dear Reader,

If you’ve been in our community for any length of time, you know about the isolation, the lack of continuous care, and the deep depletion facing new families during the Sacred Window...

But today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we need to talk about the most severe, underreported outcome of this care vacuum: maternal mental health.

Global research shows that:

  • More than 50% of all maternal deaths occur after birth (Spelke & Werner, 2018). That equals one mother lost every two minutes globally (WHO, 2025).
  • Suicide accounts for up to 26% of maternal deaths (Cresswell et al., 2025)
  • Postpartum depression impacts up to 20% of mothers, yet up to half of all cases go undiagnosed and untreated (Carlson et al. 2025)

These numbers are not just statistics. They are the direct result of a societal structure that leaves women alone when they are at their most vulnerable.

​More on studies and our Call to Action...​

Where Research Meets the Village

Research also highlights a critical truth that drives everything we do: a strong, diverse social support network is a primary protective factor against postpartum mood disorders (Refaeili et al., 2024).

Doulas and birth workers are not an "optional luxury." We are the safety net.

When a trained professional steps into a home with clinical knowledge, ancestral wisdom, and structured recovery protocols, they don't just ease the daily burden. They restore safety, recognize early red flags, and actively prevent families from slipping through the cracks.

This is why we hold our trainings to the highest standard...

Our Growing International Training Program

Whether you're just beginning your journey or expanding your professional practice, we have a training for you.

🇳🇱 Dutch Postpartum Doula Training

October-December 2026 FULL​
In collaboration with Holos Academie, Utrecht. Stay tuned for upcoming training dates in the Netherlands.

🌍 Global Online Postpartum Doula Training (English)

November-December 2026​
Our flagship international programme, bringing together participants from around the world for five live online sessions, practical assignments, mentorship, and certification. Join now!

🇯🇵 NEW! Japanese Postpartum Doula Training

October-November 2026​
A groundbreaking new programme supporting the growth of postpartum care in Japan and Japanese-speaking communities around the world. Read more.

🇪🇸 NEW! Spanish Postpartum Doula Training

March-April 2027

Our very first Spanish-speaking cohort, making our complete curriculum accessible to an even wider international community. Bienvenidas!

Why Train With PSN?

Our training is much more than a certification.

It is an invitation to become part of an international movement dedicated to transforming the postpartum experience.

Together we explore:

  • The physiology and psychology of the postpartum period
  • Trauma-informed postpartum care
  • Breastfeeding and newborn support
  • Traditional postpartum practices from around the world
  • Practical skills including massage, belly binding, rituals, and nutrition
  • Advocacy for better postpartum care
  • Building a sustainable, heart-centred doula practice

You'll join an inspiring international community of doulas, midwives, therapists, nurses, yoga teachers, researchers and parents who share one vision: that no family should navigate the postpartum period alone.

Still not sure if it’s the right fit?

Reply to this mail with all your questions or call Ekaterina Cupelin, PSN Director and trainer, at 0033 617320554 (tel./ WhatsApp).

We’d love to hear about your background or your own postpartum journey and see if this training would be supportive for you.

With warmth,
​The Postnatal Support Network Team

Stichting PSN, Baron G.A. Tindalplein 121,, Amsterdam, 1019TW
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Postnatal Support Network

The Postnatal Support Network (PSN) promotes the importance of a well-prepared and relaxing 40-day postnatal period, connects families and postnatal doulas, trains professionals and builds bridges. PSN is an international organization with a nonmedical and social network, dedicated to raising awareness and educating the larger public on the importance of postnatal rest and care.

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