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

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

Emotional Health · Parenting

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?

Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

Recognize and support maternal mental health

Every year during the first week of May we recognize Mental Health Week in Canada.  This week is meant to help the public learn, share, and promote the important issue of mental health. May 2 is World Maternal Mental Health Day On this day, organizations from around the world are making efforts to recognize and promote… Continue reading Recognize and support maternal mental health

Emotional Health · Parenting

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?

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Pregnancy

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

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

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

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting

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?