Imagine moving to a new country, not speaking the language, not having family support, and having a new baby? This is what many new Canadian families are experiencing in Toronto. Every day we have new, young families moving to our city who are unfamiliar with the land, language, and resources available to them. Did you… Continue reading New to Canada & having a baby? Support is available
Author: Eva Carniello, RN
I've been a Public Health Nurse with the City of Toronto for 22 years, where I have worked with families and children in a variety of capacities. Most recently I have been focused on increasing awareness around prenatal and postpartum depression. Being pregnant and a new parent is a huge life altering event...families need knowledge and support during this period. All new parents should know…"You are not alone, there is help, and you deserve to feel better".
Postpartum Depression – it’s not your fault!
Most of us think that having a baby will be the happiest time in our lives; however not everyone feels joy or that "love at first sight" feeling. Feelings of guilt, sadness, stress, or anxiety can affect the early weeks and months of parenthood which can make it hard to enjoy a new baby. I've… Continue reading Postpartum Depression – it’s not your fault!
Postpartum psychosis – A treatable illness
As a Public Health Nurse supporting new parents after the birth of their baby, I'm worried when I hear phrases like "I think someone is trying to take my baby; I just can't settle down; I haven't slept in 48 hours; my mother shakes my baby when she's holding her; I'm a bad mother and… Continue reading Postpartum psychosis – A treatable illness
Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?
Do you think of exercise and immediately picture a fitness centre with complicated machines and impossibly hard, high tempo exercise classes? This can be scary for anyone, let alone a new parent who is isn’t sleeping well and adjusting to life with a new baby. Exercise doesn't have to be difficult, it can be built… Continue reading Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?
Mental health support during pregnancy and after birth
As a Public Health Nurse, and mother myself, I will be the first to admit having a new baby arrive in the family can come with mixed emotions. With all the love and excitement babies bring, new parents can also feel stressed, anxious, exhausted, and sad. It's often hard to know if your feelings are… Continue reading Mental health support during pregnancy and after birth
Feeling sad or stressed? Find out where to get support in Toronto
This may be your first pregnancy, or your fourth baby – depression and anxiety can happened to anyone. Many new parents who are struggling don't get the help they need…some because they are ashamed and feel they should be enjoying their pregnancy or new baby, and some because they just don’t know where to start… Continue reading Feeling sad or stressed? Find out where to get support in Toronto
Depression and anxiety in fathers
Becoming a father is a big life change, there are many things to learn and adjust to in your new role. Along with all the excitement and joy of having a baby, fatherhood may also bring sleepless nights, lack of routine, and unexpected stress between you and your partner. When everyone's focus is on baby… Continue reading Depression and anxiety in fathers
Recognize and support maternal mental health
Every year during the first week of May we recognize Mental Health Week in Canada. This week is meant to help the public learn, share, and promote the important issue of mental health. May 2 is World Maternal Mental Health Day On this day, organizations from around the world are making efforts to recognize and promote… Continue reading Recognize and support maternal mental health
Motherhood and scary thoughts: How are these connected?
"I'm just going to check on the baby one more time, I want to make sure he's still breathing." "Wait! Let me hold her, you may drop her if you don’t hold her tight enough." "What if the bathwater is too hot and I burn my baby?" Have you had thoughts like this about… Continue reading Motherhood and scary thoughts: How are these connected?
New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?
Maria moved to Toronto six months ago. She is a new mother of a two month old baby girl. She and her husband are feeling the stress of a new country, a new baby, and no family to help. Maria speaks little English and isn’t sure where or how to get help from her new… Continue reading New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?