Reproductive &
Perinatal Social Work
Ìyá Pittsburgh is committed to addressing health disparities for those who have been historically marginalised in perinatal and reproductive healthcare spaces. This is why Ìyá Pittsburgh is proud to include reproductive & perinatal social work, counselling (therapy), service coordination, and case management services to its expanding offerings for the community.
For many people, pregnancy and parenting are exciting and wonderful experiences. Unexpected complications, stressors, or events can affect pregnant people and families physically, emotionally, socially, and even spiritually during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Reproductive & Perinatal Social Workers specialize in supporting individuals and families through the challenges and transitions of abortion, contraception, fertility, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year of a child's life. Their support and services are available to clients expecting any pregnancy outcome, be it birth, adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.
The Social Worker is a valuable member of the perinatal and reproductive healthcare team. They work together with a client and the rest of a client’s team to provide wraparound services that can include psycho-emotional and social support, education, resource coordination, counselling/therapy, and advocacy. Additionally, Social Workers work with a client’s team to ensure that culturally informed and responsive care is provided to the client and client’s family.
Presently, clients who are enrolled in midwifery care with Igi Osè – Traditional Birth Services and other midwives partnered with Ìyá Pittsburgh, are eligible to meet and work with Ìyá Pittsburgh’s Reproductive & Perinatal Social Worker at no additional cost. Meeting with the social worker at least once per trimester during pregnancy is a part of routine care, but clients may self-refer or be referred to the social worker by their midwife at any point while receiving care. Meeting with the social worker can be done in-person at the client’s home or midwife’s office or meetings can be done virtually, to meet the scheduling needs of the client.
Social Workers & Case Managers can provide a variety of services, including:
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Assessing the basic and social needs of clients (housing, food, transportation, emotional wellbeing, etc.), and assisting with applications for social benefits (WIC, SNAP, TANF, etc.).
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Conducting psychosocial assessments of clients to identify any risk factors or underlying emotional wellness concerns, and making appropriate referrals to mental health professionals and other supports.
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Developing and implementing care plans based on the needs and goals of clients and their families.
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Assisting clients in overcoming barriers to accessing affirming healthcare and social services.
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Coordinating client care with other health/wellness providers.
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Encouraging and facilitating the scheduling of prenatal appointments, postpartum checkups, and newborn screenings.
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Acting as liaison between midwife, client, and hospital providers in the event of a transfer of care or hospital transport during pregnancy, labour, or the immediate postpartum period.
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Advocating for clients' rights and needs within the healthcare system and community at large.
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Promoting the creation and use of Birth Plans by clients, especially for births following a previously traumatic or difficult birth, loss, or pregnancy termination.
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Educating clients about preventive care and harm reduction practices.
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Facilitating support groups and educational workshops for clients and their families on relevant topics.
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Supporting clients and families choosing to terminate their pregnancy or clients and families who have experienced another pregnancy loss such as miscarriage or stillbirth.
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Offering education and counselling/therapy for pregnancy or parenting related stress, relationship and family issues, pregnancy complications, pregnancy and birth options, managing expectations, and lifestyle changes.