"Nobody told me it would be this hard; I feel like I'm in over my head". "Everyone I know seems so happy being a mom – why do I feel so overwhelmed?" Sound familiar? These are just some of the things I hear as a Public Health Nurse working with new parents. Pregnancy and parenthood… Continue reading Let’s talk about mental health!
Author: Chloe Pacht, RN
As a Public Health Nurse in the Reproductive and Infant Health and Perinatal Adjustment Programs, I have the great privilege of working with families to provide education, counselling, and support during and after pregnancy. My practice focuses on infant feeding, prenatal education for younger families, and supporting women experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety through telephone counselling and an in-person support group. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and getting out in nature.
Surviving the first year: Self-care tips for new parents
Most of us are quite busy in our day to day lives - we have our routines, our interests, and our responsibilities. While parenting is an exciting, challenging and rewarding adventure, it can be easy for new parents' own needs to take a backseat as life with a little one begins. With the popularity of… Continue reading Surviving the first year: Self-care tips for new parents
Express yourself: Better communication after baby
After a baby, everything seems to be different; from sleeping patterns, to eating habits, and especially how communication happens. As a nurse who works with parents adjusting to life after baby, I've seen countless times how things can keep changing- the good and the not so good. Understanding yourself and getting the support that you… Continue reading Express yourself: Better communication after baby
Maternal mental health matters!
What if I were to tell you there is a medical complication that affects 1 in 5 parents postpartum? That it affects fathers, too? And the biggest risk factor, is if you have already experienced it! The complication I'm referring to is perinatal mood disorders, more commonly known as depression and anxiety that can occur… Continue reading Maternal mental health matters!
Social media got you feeling down?
A few days ago, I was talking to a mom who recently had her second baby. She was having a tough week; her daughter caught a cold at preschool, relatives had dropped by unannounced, and the house (as she put it) was a "disaster". Frustrated, she expressed to me, "How do other parents do it… Continue reading Social media got you feeling down?