Mental Health and Wellness in Pregnancy and Parenthood
Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and during the first year after giving birth.
Although pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood are often filled with joyful moments, they can also bring significant emotional and physical challenges. It's completely normal to experience a wide range of feelings - from happiness and excitement to sadness or feeling overwhelmed.
Taking care of your mental health during this time is important because:
- It helps you nurture a strong and secure connection with your baby
- It supports your ability to manage stress and adapt to change
- It encourages personal growth as you embrace life as a parent and caregiver
Perinatal Mood Disorder (PMD)
Pregnancy or having a baby is not always easy and the adjustment to parenthood can be challenging for many families. This can lead to mood changes or even perinatal mood disorders (PMD), which includes prenatal anxiety or depression, postpartum depression or anxiety and postpartum psychosis. It can begin in pregnancy and up to one year after birth or adoption of a baby. It can happen to any/either parent. PMD is not your fault, and it is treatable.
Baby Blues, Perinatal Mood Disorder and Postpartum Psychosis
Baby Blues
Baby blues refer to symptoms, which occur within the first three to five days after birth.
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Feeling irritable, oversensitive or anxious
Four in five who have just had a baby may experience some of these normal feelings, although they feel happy most of the time.
If symptoms do not go away after two weeks, it may be a sign of something more serious, seek help. Talk to your health care professional.
Perinatal Mood Disorder
If you are experiencing the following symptoms every day for two weeks or longer, talk to your health care professional.
- Crying
- Change in appetite
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Exhaustion, irritability
- Anxiety
- Feel guilty, worthless or hopeless
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Racing thoughts, feeling jittery
- Thoughts or ideas of hurting yourself or baby
You may be more likely to experience PMD if you have a family or personal history of depression or other mental illness, lack help or support, or have stressful life events (newcomers, financial, relationship or family conflict, fussy baby or baby with special needs).
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis occurs rarely (one to two per 1,000 births) within three days to four weeks after birth.
Symptoms include:
- Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things)
- Thoughts of harming self or others
- Unable to sleep or eat
- Unusual behaviours
Urgent treatment is required—call 911 for immediate help or go the closest hospital emergency department.
- A New Mother’s Emotions (a guide to understanding maternal mental health)
If you have thoughts about death or suicide, call 988 or 911.
How Can Family and Friends Help?
- Accept and acknowledge their feelings
- Offer help in house chores or baby care
- Encourage them to rest or exercise
- Provide positive words of encouragement
- Acknowledge what they are doing well
- Provide support in getting assessment and treatment
- Partners may need to be aware of their own feelings and self-care
Your acceptance and support mean a lot to the person who is struggling with symptoms of perinatal mood disorders, anxiety and/or depression.
If your loved one is in crisis, please call a 24-hour crisis line or hotline, such as Community Crisis Response Service at 1-855-310-COPE (2673), 988, or 911.
Where to Go for Help
York Region Resources
Please contact Health Connection (1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228 or chat live at york.ca/NurseChat) to access the following programs.
| Resource/Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Transition to Parenting Program | Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group for eligible mothers with babies up to one year of age or those pregnant who are experiencing mood changes, including anxiety or depression |
| Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program | A free home visiting program provides eligible families with information, support and connections to community resources when they are pregnant or after the birth of a child until their children start school |
| York Region Public Health’s Breastfeeding Clinics | One-to-one breastfeeding support and teaching with a nurse who has breastfeeding expertise |
| Parenting | Information, programs and services related to parenting |
| A New Mother's Emotions | Guide to understanding maternal mental health |
| Circle of Support | Learn how having a support system can also lessen the stresses of pregnancy and parenting |
| Self-Care Plan | Follow a self-care plan of REST |
| Taking Care of You | Tips for busy parents on keeping a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, being active and feeling good |
Support Programs and Information
| Program and Information Source | Description |
|---|---|
| 211 Ontario | Free, confidential service that connects people to the social and community supports they need. Dial or text 211, chat or email |
| Life with a Baby | Peer support system to provide ongoing practical and emotional peer-based support for new and expectant parents and parents of children up to six years of age |
| Mood Disorders Association of Ontario | Free support and recovery programs to people with mood disorders; evidence-based peer support to empower, foster self-care and hope on the path to recovery |
| Postpartum Support International | Resources and programs and services for individuals experiencing a Perinatal Mental Health condition |
| Togetherall | Immediate access to mental health support through a diverse and safe online community which is monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners |
| Early ON Child and Family Centre | Free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to six years old. Connect with other families and get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development. Call 416-325-2929/1-800-387-5514 or TTY 416-325-3408/1-800-268-7095 |
| York Region Children’s Aid Society | Strives to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in the community and partner with parents, caregivers and community to provide a safe environment through equitable, culturally aligned services. Call 905-895-2318 or 1-800-718-3850 |
| Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network | Offers peer-led individual and group support services to families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Call 1- 888-303-7245 |
| Bereaved Families of York Region | Charitable organization supporting individuals, families and communities who are grieving after the death of someone significant in their life. Call 905-898-6265 |
Counselling Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Catholic Community Services of York Region | Use culturally appropriate approaches to understand individuals, couples or families. Different counselling options, including immediate assistance, ongoing support or personalized care plans. Call 1-800-263-2075/905-770-7040 or email @email |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Confidential support that may be offered through your employer at no cost. Contact your employer for more information |
| Family Services York Region | Counselling and community based cultural support services provided. Call 905-895-2371/1-888-223-3999 |
| Jewish Family and Child Services | Counselling services and education programs to increase safety and security, reduce the effects of poverty and improve mental health and wellness. Call 416-638-7800, ext. 6234 |
| Women’s Centre of York Region | Counselling services are short-term, solution focused, and trauma informed. Call 905-853-9270 |
| Talk4Healing | Culturally appropriate counselling services to Indigenous women by Indigenous women via telephone, text, or chat. Services provided in 14 languages. Call or text 24/7 – 1-855-554-HEAL. Visit website for live chat |
| Your Support Services Network (YSSN) | YSSN supports children and adults with developmental disabilities, with mental health needs, and experiencing crisis with Access services, coordination services and crisis services. Call 905-898-6455/1-866-257-9776 Streamlined access connects individuals 16 years and older with mental health and/or addiction needs to resources and housing supports in your community. Call 289-340-0348/1-888-660-6602 |
| Cedar Centre | Adult program provides free therapeutic services for individuals over the age of 19 who have experienced interpersonal childhood trauma before age 18. Call 905-853-3040/1-800-263-2240 |
| Chinese Family Services of Ontario | Counselling and therapy to individuals, couples and families with diverse life issues. Call 416-979-8299/1-866-979-8298 |
Health Care/Clinical Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Ontario – Health811 | Connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice. Call 811 (TTY: 711) or Live Chat Get connected to health care 24/7. Get help connecting to programs and services; for example, find a doctor, health service or home and community care |
| Reproductive Life Stages Program | Assessment and short-term treatment for individuals experiencing new or recurrent mental health problems during the reproductive life stages (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum and menopausal transition). Call 416-323-6230 |
| Women’s Mood and Anxiety Clinic: Reproductive Transitions | Specializes in mood and anxiety disorders that women can experience across the lifespan – especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Call 416-480-5677 |
| Canadian Mental Health Association York Region | Provide programs and services needed to maintain mental health. Call 1-866-345-0183 |
| Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) | CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for all ages and families, with Access CAMH as the centralized point of contact. Includes. Call Access CAMH at 416-535-8501, press 2 |
| ConnexOntario | Free, confidential service offered through phone, chat, text and email. Trained professionals listen and provide information about mental health, problem gambling and addiction services available to meet your needs. Call 1-866-531-2600 |
| Ontario Shores | Specialized care for mental illnesses related to the women's reproductive system. Outpatient treatment for women 18-65 years of age, through the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart Women's Clinic. Physician referral required |
| My Baby and Me (Perinatal Addictions Clinic) | Drop-in prenatal clinic designed to support individuals using substances in pregnancy. Trauma-informed and flexible approach and support individuals who experience barriers in accessing prenatal care. No age or address requirement to access services at the clinic. Call 416-867-7421 |
| Addiction Services Central Ontario | Services for individuals 12 years of age or older who identify with concerns related to substance use and problem gambling. Call 1-800-263-2288 |
| Smokers’ Helpline | Free, confidential service operated by Canadian Cancer Society offering support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and tobacco use. It is evidence-based, non-judgmental and personalized. Interpreter services in over 100 languages available by phone. Call 1-877-513-5333 |
| Vaughan Community Health Centre | Community Health Centres provide primary health care, social programs, and health promotion services with an emphasis on those who face barriers accessing health care. Call 905-303-8490 (Vaughan location) or 905-476-5621 (Keswick location) |
| Mother Matters | Online support group for women with mood adjustment challenges following the birth of their baby |
Crisis Services
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis or emergency, call one of the following help lines or head to the nearest hospital emergency department.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| 310-COPE | Community Crisis Response Service. 24-hour crisis line: 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or Live Chat |
| 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline | A safe space to talk 24/7. Call or text 988 |
| Sandgate Women’s Shelter | Supports and services for women and their children who have experienced violence. 24-hour hotline: 1-800-661-8294 |
| Yellow Brick House | Services and prevention programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by violence. 24-hour crisis line: Call or text 1-800-263-3247 |
| Women’s Support Network of York Region Crisis Line | Free, nonjudgemental, confidential services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. 24/7 crisis line: 905-895-7313 or 1-800-263-6734. Anti-Human Trafficking Case Manager – 905-895-3646 |
| York Region Centre for Community Safety | Connects individuals experiencing violence to needed supports and creates seamless transition to services. Call 905-836-7601 or 1-855-541-2220 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) |
Mental Health for Fathers
When a new baby is born, people often focus on the birthing parent’s health. But fathers/partners can also feel very sad or stressed during this time.
About 1 out of every 10 fathers feel this way sometime between the first trimester of the pregnancy and the baby’s first birthday. Fathers are most likely to feel this sadness when the baby is 3 to 6 months old.
Even though this happens a lot, fathers don’t always get the help they need. Doctors and health services usually focus more on moms. It is important to help too, so they can feel better and take care of their families.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Help for Dads | Information and resources for fathers from Postpartum Support International |
| FMHN – Father’s Mental Health Network | Consultation and Treatment Service for expecting, new and fathers with young children. This service provides a comprehensive outpatient assessment on a consultative basis. The assessment process may include a telephone intake interview followed by an assessment by a psychiatrist |
Transition to Parenting Program
A FREE, 9-week, group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for pregnant and postpartum individuals with babies up to 18 months of age. It is for mothers who have been feeling one or more of the following: depressed, sad, anxious, worried, angry or overwhelmed.
