Building Inclusive Care: Barriers, Strengths, and Needed Support for LGBTQ2S+ Parents in Montana

About Session

Session Description: 

LGBTQ2S+ families may be especially at risk of experiencing poor mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period, due to stigma and limited access to affirming care. Social support from formal sources (doulas, providers, lactation consultants, etc.) and informal sources (family, friends, and spouses) is associated with greater well-being for pregnant and parenting individuals and decreased occurrence of perinatal mental health disorders. Exploring the provision of social support for LGBTQ2S+ parents is needed to inform community-based interventions to improve the mental health of minority families, particularly in rural areas.

This mixed-methods research estimates and describes PMADs and the provision of social support among rural LGBTQ2S+ parents. Quantitative data were collected from 52 participants via a statewide survey using validated perinatal mental health and social support measures; eight LGBTQ2S+ parents of children under six completed semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited through Pride events, word-of-mouth, and LGBTQ2S+ organizations. A community advisory board met monthly to co-develop the study. Quantitative results demonstrate low-average rates of depression, high rates of anxiety, and reliance on chosen family for social support. Qualitative results highlight stigma, expense, and lack of peer support as major barriers to the mental health of LGBTQ2S+ parents. Self-support and advocacy in the form of emotional affirmation and willingness to ask for help were major strengths expressed by participants. Recommendations include increased education on the specific needs of LGBTQ2S+ families, inclusive care and legal practices, and access to peer support. These findings address research and practice gaps focused on LGBTQ2S+ perinatal experiences.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to name and describe in detail three barriers and three strengths specific to LGBTQ2S+ parents in Montana.
2. Participants will be able to identify at least two actions they can take to enhance the inclusivity of their practice and care for perinatal populations.
3. Participants will become informed of the rates of perinatal anxiety and depression, as well as prevalence and sources of social support among a sample of LGBTQ2S+ parents in Montana.
4. Participants will be able to identify 2-3 resources specific to LGBTQ2S+ parents in their community.