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
Category: Emotional Health
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?
How to manage stress in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of change and feeling stressed is very common. Sometimes when stress builds over a long period of time and you start to feel like you have little control over these feelings, you may be experiencing chronic stress. Learning how to deal with everyday stressors can help. Chronic stress may cause immediate… Continue reading How to manage stress in pregnancy
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
Can fathers get depressed after their new baby arrives?
Becoming a parent can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time which brings stress, anxiety, lack of sleep and more. Many people may have heard about 'Maternal Mental Health', but did you know dads can get depression and anxiety as well after a new baby arrives? Paternal Depression and Anxiety (postpartum… Continue reading Can fathers get depressed after their new baby arrives?
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!
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
Does having a postpartum mood disorder affect my child?
Ever wonder if babies and older children know their parent is feeling depressed or anxious? Having a postpartum mood disorder affects not only one parent, but the whole family. Children are able to notice when a parent is acting differently by picking up on changes in routine and everyday behavior. These changes could be: looking… Continue reading Does having a postpartum mood disorder affect my child?
Feeling stressed during the holidays?
Year after year I notice that as soon as Halloween is over, it's all about the upcoming holiday season. The days get shorter, the sights and sounds of the holiday fill the air. The holidays are considered a time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. This time of year can also be… Continue reading Feeling stressed during the holidays?
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
