Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

Tips to help manage postpartum anxiety and depression

Mood struggles during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby are very common. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many challenges to families as well, and there has been an increased need for mental health support. There are many wellness strategies that can go a long way in battling back against the symptoms of… Continue reading Tips to help manage postpartum anxiety and depression

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

World Maternal Mental Health Day

This year, May 5, 2021 is World Maternal Mental Health Day.  It is a day to raise awareness of perinatal mood disorders. 1 in 5 women experience anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or post-partum. It is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth yet it is often unnoticed and untreated. The COVID-19… Continue reading World Maternal Mental Health Day

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

New to Canada & having a baby? Support is available

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

Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

Coping with stress and anxiety during & after pregnancy

Some stress and anxiety is common during pregnancy. When either become more severe and start to affect your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, it's important to seek help.  The challenges or changes during and after pregnancy can increase the risk of stress and anxiety. 1 in 5 mothers experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum.… Continue reading Coping with stress and anxiety during & after pregnancy

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

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!

Emotional Health · Parenting

Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Partners

It's common for new fathers to experience joy, excitement, stress and fear while adjusting to parenthood. Did you know that 10% of new fathers suffer from Postpartum Depression (PPD) and 50% when mom is depressed too? Most people are not aware, including the fathers experiencing it. To make change happen, we would like to bring… Continue reading Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Partners

Emotional Health · Parenting

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

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

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?

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

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?

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

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!