Has planning a pregnancy got you worried and tense? Maybe you've been feeling sad, scared or not in control of your life? Stress from trying to conceive a baby can sometimes affect your mental health and well-being. It's a good idea to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. When should I get help?… Continue reading Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
Category: Emotional 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?
Pregnant and feeling stressed? Tips to help.
I'm pregnant and feeling stressed out! Are these feelings normal? Is there anything I can do to feel better? We all experience a certain level of stress in our everyday life. Some stress can be helpful; it can inspire us to get things done at home or work, and it encourages us to arrive… Continue reading Pregnant and feeling stressed? Tips to help.
4 Differences between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
It is normal to have mood changes in the days and first weeks following the birth of your baby. Remember…this does not mean that you have or will have postpartum depression or anxiety (PPD/A). Here's the 4 differences between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression? 1. How common are baby blues? Baby Blues - Occurs in… Continue reading 4 Differences between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
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?
Managing stress, anxiety, and depression over the holiday season
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
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
Infant feeding and my mental health
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
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?