As I walked through Costco this past August, I couldn't help but notice this season's holiday gear making its way onto the shelves. Everything from gifts to decorations, cards, and wrapping paper – 'seriously' I asked myself? How can we be thinking of the holidays when we're still supposed to be soaking up the summer… Continue reading Managing stress, anxiety, and depression over the holiday season
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 & infant attachment: What you need to know
Most parents imagine a strong, healthy bonding and attachment phase with their babies after birth. They are aware that babies need love and attention, as much as they need food, in order to thrive. An infant forms a secure attachment with their caregiver when the caregiver consistently responds to the needs of their infant. I… Continue reading Postpartum depression & infant attachment: What you need to know
Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help
I'm sure the last thing most new, sleep deprived parents are thinking about is squeezing exercise into an already busy schedule! However, what if I told you that it can be done as part of your regular daily routine? We all know it's important to be active but did you know that physical activity: releases… Continue reading Feeling depressed? Physical activity may help
Is it true new fathers can experience postpartum depression?
Paternal postpartum depression is a very real condition that can happen any time after the birth or adoption of a baby. Many people don't realize that one in ten dads develop depression. It may start during your partner's pregnancy, go away after the baby's birth, and come back 3-6 months later. In fact research shows… Continue reading Is it true new fathers can experience postpartum depression?
Are you blaming yourself for the premature birth of your baby?
You've done all the textbook things you're supposed to do during your pregnancy – you ate healthy food, exercised, attended prenatal programs, and had regular visits with your health care provider. Yet here you are…sitting in a neonatal intensive care unit gazing through an incubator at your tiny two-pound baby born at 28 weeks. Where… Continue reading Are you blaming yourself for the premature birth of your baby?
Depression during pregnancy – it’s real…get help!
Susan struggled with her mood during pregnancy. When she first felt herself slipping during the fourth month, she reached for her 'bag of feel good tricks'. She posted cheerful photos on Facebook, went for walks outside, cooked dinner, and drank kale smoothies. None of it helped. Although Susan's husband adored her and was a terrific… Continue reading Depression during pregnancy – it’s real…get help!
Spread the word – May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Day
As a Public Health Nurse, I work with women who are dealing with depression or anxiety related to being a new mother. Here are a couple of direct quotes from new mothers that I'd like to share… "I have to be strong for my kids, I have to prepare everything for them to be healthy… Continue reading Spread the word – May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Day
How a difficult birth can affect your mood
As a Public Health Nurse, I have met many people who have ideas on how they would like the birth of their baby to play out…anything from a natural drug-free birth, a vaginal birth, to a planned c-section. Yes, it's okay to have a birth plan, however, all too often these hopes and ideas don’t go… Continue reading How a difficult birth can affect your mood
What’s the best Valentine’s gift for a new parent? (And no, it’s not chocolate!)
Most people associate Valentine's Day with chocolate, flowers, and jewelry, but have all you partners out there thought about the best gift a new mom could ever ask for? You guessed it … hands on, practical help to get through the early days with a new baby. Being organized ahead of baby's arrival can make for… Continue reading What’s the best Valentine’s gift for a new parent? (And no, it’s not chocolate!)
I just survived my baby’s first holiday season…now what?
As a Public Health Nurse working with new families, and a mom myself, I know how busy, exciting, and stressful the holiday season can be…especially when there is a new baby on the scene! Once all the festivities have ended and family & friends have returned to their normal schedules, new parents often fall prey… Continue reading I just survived my baby’s first holiday season…now what?