In June 2025, perinatal mental health professionals from across Montana and the West gathered in Helena for the 8th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference, hosted by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies. The event continues to grow in energy, attendance, and impact.
As the landscape of maternal and infant health continues to shift at a rapid pace, one message rang out clearly across sessions and conversations: connection is vital. Staying connected to peers, to new research, and to one’s own well-being is essential for anyone supporting moms, babies, and families through the perinatal period.
A Growing and Diverse Community
This year’s fully in-person format featured a wide range of new speakers and first time attendees, including professionals from Canada, Wyoming, and across Montana. In addition to our mainstage presentations, we featured breakout sessions organized by professional role, offering tailored content for therapists, home visitors, doulas, physicians, and others supporting perinatal health.
At HMHB, we recognize how easy it can be to lose sight of the needs of caregivers who are working so hard to support others. With this in mind, the 2025 conference placed a new emphasis on care for the caregiver. Attendees could visit a dedicated wellness room, participate in guided mindfulness sessions, or take a break for a free chair massage—reminders that sustainable service starts with self-care.
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- Stephanie Morton, HMHB Executive Director, opening the conference.
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- Mary Ellen LaFromboise, Blackfeet Elder, delivering an opening blessing.
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- Callie Parr networking at the poster session.
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- The HMHB Staff.
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- Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling Coordinator, hosting a Mother Love panel discussion.
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- Cass Weber, Jessica Walsh and Dorothy Troutman, having a Mother Love panel discussion.
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- A full house at the Helena Delta Mariott.
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- Bright colors signifying bold action!
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- Stephanie Morton and Sheri Walker networking at the Poster Session.
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- Dr. Amy Stiffarm, head of the Native American Initiatives team at HMHB speaking.
Gratitude for Our Partners
A conference of this size and scope is only as successful as the people behind it, and we remain grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, including our presenting partner, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS); our Platinum Sponsors, the Montana Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Health Access Line (MTPAL); and the Montana Obstetric and Maternal Support (MOMS) Program.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Perinatal Mental Health Conference with some exciting changes in the works! We can’t wait to build on this year’s momentum and bring our community together once again. Stay tuned for a Save the Date—it’s coming soon!
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