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?
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
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
Becoming a new parent is a major life change that is certain to come with rewards and a few learning curves along the way. For those who are vulnerable to postpartum mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.) support from friends, family and the community are all important in helping a new parent feel confident in this… Continue reading Infant feeding and my mental health
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
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?
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?
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!
In the best of circumstances achieving a good night’s sleep is challenging…add a newborn, teething or fussy infant or a mind that won’t stop thinking to the mix and it can feel impossible! Although a new baby can make it very challenging for new parents to feel rested, it’s very important to ‘protect’ your sleep. … Continue reading Will I ever get enough sleep? Helpful tips for your mental health
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
