Emotional Health · Parenting

Spread the word – May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Day

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

Emotional Health · Pregnancy

How a difficult birth can affect your mood

As a Public Health Nurse, I have met many people who have ideas on how they would like the birth of their baby to play out…anything from a natural drug-free birth, a vaginal birth, to a planned c-section.  Yes, it's okay to have a birth plan, however, all too often these hopes and ideas don’t go… Continue reading How a difficult birth can affect your mood

Emotional Health · Parenting

Do I have postpartum depression or anxiety? What’s the difference?

Looking back, you were so excited on the day of your baby's birth…she was so small and perfect, just what you expected.  The breastfeeding took some time to master, but it got better.  Now 3 months later you are constantly worried:  "Am I doing this right?  Is she getting enough milk?  Is there something wrong… Continue reading Do I have postpartum depression or anxiety? What’s the difference?

Emotional Health · Nutrition

New baby and feeling tired? Tips to increase your energy

Just had a baby and notice a change in the way you feel?  It can be a difficult time.  You're recovering from the delivery, not getting enough sleep, and caring for a new baby.  Having a baby is a big life change, feelings ranging from joy and excitement to guilt and sadness can happen at any time… Continue reading New baby and feeling tired? Tips to increase your energy

Emotional Health · Parenting

Postpartum depression & anxiety:  Do I need medication?

Susan is a mother of 2 and experienced depression after the birth of her 1st child and again in her current postpartum period.  She has struggled with depression for most of her life… During a support group, Susan mentioned that her doctor suggested medication but she is worried about becoming addicted.  She doesn't believe in… Continue reading Postpartum depression & anxiety:  Do I need medication?

Emotional Health · Parenting

Postpartum Depression: You didn’t cause this to happen

As a public health nurse I speak to many parents struggling with their adjustment to being a new parent.  They experience many different feelings, ranging from joy and excitement to guilt and sadness. Sometimes these feelings become so difficult that they start to feel overwhelmed and helpless. Many times it is the partner who is… Continue reading Postpartum Depression: You didn’t cause this to happen

Emotional Health · Parenting

New to Canada? Feeling lost and alone?

Fatima, who immigrated to Canada six months ago, is a new mother of a 3 month old baby girl.  Fatima and her husband are both faced with the stress of settling into a new place, trying to understand a new language, the health care system, and are feeling overwhelmed.  She knows the baby needs medical… Continue reading New to Canada? Feeling lost and alone?

Emotional Health · Pregnancy

Pregnant and feeling tired or irritable? 8 tips to help you feel better

  Are you in your third trimester of pregnancy, feeling tired and full of worry?  Do you snap at your partner for little things and rarely laugh or have fun with family and friends?  Are you having trouble sleeping and don't feel yourself?  Are you struggling to find your way?   Many women feel this way during pregnancy.  Right… Continue reading Pregnant and feeling tired or irritable? 8 tips to help you feel better

Emotional Health · Parenting

Postpartum depression – Will it happen to me?

Is it possible to beat postpartum depression? As a Public Health Nurse, I support women struggling with emotional health issues such as depression and anxiety. Imagine that you are pregnant and experiencing mixed feelings.  Part of you is happy, while the other part is feeling unsure.  You've always wanted a baby but you are concerned… Continue reading Postpartum depression – Will it happen to me?