Dr. Sara Moyer PhD, RN

Sara Moyer, PhD, RN is a perinatal mental health researcher at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Nursing, she led the development team for the Perinatal Mental Health Screening Toolkit including the EPDS-US and PMH Connect.

Dr. Moyer earned her doctoral degree in Nursing Research from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sara is a nationally recognized presenter, leads multiple research initiatives, continues to practice as a NICU and maternal infant units as a bedside nurse, and is a passionate perinatal mental health (PMH) advocate. Sara’s research interests include a holistic approach to understanding PMH symptom development and screenings, impacting changes that move toward trauma-informed and respectful care experiences, and a focus on the impact of birth and early postpartum experiences on mental health outcomes for moms, children, and families.

Session

Beyond Depression: Perinatal Mental Health, Symptom Screening, and the Doula's Key Role

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum, yet they often go unrecognized. In this keynote session, Dr. Sara Moyer will examine the evolving landscape of perinatal mental health and introduce the Perinatal Mental Health Screenings Toolkit, including the recently updated EPDS-US screening tool and PMH Connect resource/information sheet.

Learn how this critical screening tool is being refined to better identify those at risk, and explore the role of birth and postpartum professionals in fostering person-centered education, early detection, intervention, and meaningful support for families.

After the keynote, Dr. Moyer will facilitate a concurrent session where doulas can dive deeper and practice using the tools discussed in the keynote.

Session

Practical Skills for PMH Screening, Meaningful Follow-Up, and Impactful Support

Building on the introduction of the EPDS-US tool in the keynote session, this interactive workshop will give doulas practical, hands-on experience using the Perinatal Mental Health Screenings Toolkit in their work with clients.

Participants will walk through real-world scenarios, explore ethical and scope-of-practice considerations, and gain confidence in initiating supportive conversations around postpartum mental health. The session includes guided practice with the EPDS-US and PMH Connect tools, offering doulas a chance to build fluency with the screening process and follow-up pathways.

Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies to incorporate these tools into client care and a deeper understanding of their role in promoting early identification and connection to resources. This session empowers doulas to be compassionate advocates for perinatal mental health, grounded in best practices and real-world application.