Speaking Engagements & Professional Training

I speak and facilitate workshops on a variety of topics relating to perinatal emotional wellness and the transition to parenthood, including
  • Perinatal mental health
  • Identity shifts during the transition to parenthood
  • How cultural and immigrant narratives impact ideas of self, self-worth, and parenting
  • Understanding the intersections of race, racism, oppression, and perinatal mental health

I offer the following trainings for perinatal professionals:
  • An overview of perinatal mental health and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs)
  • Screening for perinatal mood & anxiety disorders within your the scope of your clinical practice
  • Engaging with microaggressions in perinatal group settings
  • Understanding perinatal mental health in the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American (APIDA) community
  • Understanding how cultural narratives impact perinatal mental health in BIPOC and first- and second-generation immigrant populations
 Contact me if you would like me to speak to your organization.

Past professional trainings

Overview of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
For Rooted Boston Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
February 2022
Addressing Microaggressions in Perinatal Group Settings
For MotherNation Support Circle Facilitators 
January 21, 2022
Overview of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
For Grand Rounds for Tufts OB-Gyn Residents and Faculty
​December 14, 2021
Overview of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
For Accompany Doula Care
​March 9, 2021
Addressing Microaggressions in Perinatal Group Settings
For Pregnancy Loss Support Group facilitators trained by the Institute of the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death 
September 2020

Past speaking engagements

Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin, September 30, 2020
"Mental Health and Its Stigma in South Asians"
Perinatal Mental Health in the South Asian Community
Facebook Live for Postpartum Support International, September 16, 2020
Postpartum Support International AnnualConference, June 2019
​​"Addressing Microaggressions in Perinatal Group Settings"
The Fifth Annual Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Day: Addressing Inequities in Perinatal Mental Health, May 16, 2019
Postpartum Support International Annual Conference, July 2018
​​"Bridging the Gap: Women of Color and PMAD Professionals"
"Addressing Microaggressions in Perinatal Group Settings"
Postpartum Support International Annual Conference, July  2017
"Bridging the Gap: Women of Color and PMAD Professionals"
Minority Mental Health Awareness Summit, July 14, 2016
​"Integrated Perinatal Mental Health Support in Community Health Centers: Pilot Programs in Massachusetts"
MIT Spouses & Partners Connect, February 29, 2016
"Bringing Sexy Back: Reclaiming sex and intimacy after baby arrives"

The first PPD Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House: Bringing Postpartum Depression into the Light: Decreasing Stigma, Supporting Families, and Implementing Policy Change in Massachusetts, June 29, 2015

Partners in Perinatal Health 26th Annual Conference, May 12, 2015
"Perinatal Mental Health Support in Community Health Centers: A Pilot Program" 
Divya Kumar speaking at the MA State House
Speaking at the Bringing PPD Into the Light: Decreasing Stigma, Supporting Families, and Implementing Policy Change in Massachusetts, the first PPD Awareness Day at the MA State House
"Divya speaks from the wisdom of her body -- she shares love and humor and weaves personal stories with a robust analysis of structural inequity and the promise of liberation. I’ve been captivated when she speaks in meetings -- from podiums, at the State House, and then on Zoom. Her voice is a gift to both individuals and movements for justice."
- Nashira Baril, MPH, Founder of Neighborhood Birth Center
“Divya was a dynamic and engaging speaker. She addressed a complex topic with ease, providing examples of simple changes in obstetric care to help address perinatal mental health and also continuing to care for the whole patient.”   
- Megan Evans, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine
"Divya Kumar is a fierce advocate, dedicated to addressing perinatal mental health needs within communities of color. She is a fantastic collaborator and presenter, leaning in to complex topics, such as racial justice, health inequities and microaggressions within the clinical workspace. She has a natural ability to cultivate audience participation while creating an environment where diverse opinions can be safely heard. Her enthusiasm and sensitivity are greatly admired by her peers."
- Joanna Cole, PhD, PMH-C, Perinatal psychologist