We know pregnancy and the postpartum periods can be a challenging time for mental health and well-being under even ideal circumstances. Many people are feeling particularly overwhelmed amidst navigating pregnancy, birth and the post-partum during this pandemic. One of our Mamas created a list of some of the community and online supports for pregnancy and the postpartum in order to increase accessibility to mental health and well-being services during this time. Some of these links will still be helpful for those of you who are out of the newborn phase and parenting older kiddos and also needing additional resources! We have added some links and will continue to add to this list, as we find the new services that will pop up as the pandemic runs its course. In the meantime, here are some local and online links to mental health services and support for you all:
Anxiety Canada for Moms to be:
New Mothers:
Big White Wall
“A safe place to talk, share and support others like you.”
BounceBack
“BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program that’s effective in helping people aged 15 and up who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry.”
Coping with depression during pregnancy and following the birth: A cognitive behaviour therapy-based self-management guide for women.
Life with a Baby
“It takes a village. You know the feeling you get when you look at another person, and without a word, realize you’re both thinking the same thing? That’s Life with a Baby personified. Life with a Baby is a network of real parents just like you, navigating the rollercoaster that is raising kids. Parenting ain’t easy, but it’s better when you have a village. We’re here to connect, support one another, learn from each other, cry and laugh together every chance we get. Join us!”
Maltby Centre
“At Maltby Centre, children and youth experiencing mental health concerns have quick access to services, free of charge.”
Mother Matters Program
“Mother Matters is an 8-week online support group run by the Mental Health Program at Women’s College Hospital. It will take place on a confidential discussion board, giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while learning from and supporting other mothers. Each week a new topic will be explored, relating to issues that commonly emerge during the first year of life with a new baby.”
Mutual Aid Katarokwi
613-665-2959
Grocery and food bank delivery, check-ins and community support.
Newborns in a Pandemic Facebook Baby Group – Kingston
"Many folks welcoming newborns during the pandemic are struggling with the isolation and difficulties accessing support with the various closures and restrictions. Parents with newborns have set up a Facebook group to connect with others in KFL&A going through a similar experience and learn about virtual resources. Virtual baby groups will be hosted through the group (think circle time with songs and games, as well as talking with other parents). "
Pacific Postpartum Support Society
“As a non-profit, charitable organization, Pacific Post Partum Support Society provides a variety of free or low-cost programs for mothers experiencing a difficult pregnancy or postpartum adjustment, including postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/A). We offer a range of services, depending upon individual’s needs.”
Postpartum Stress Center: Postpartum and Parenting During a Pandemic
Free Virtual Support Group
Sundays 10:30-11:45 am EST
Contact: [email protected] for link
Postpartum Support International
"Non-profit organization that promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues through a variety of services and resources. See their comprehensive website www.postpartum.net, or connect directly with one of the resources below."
Chat with an Expert: Open phone sessions facilitated by a licensed mental health provider to talk about perinatal mental health and connect with other parents: postpartum.net/get-help/chat-with-an-expert/.
Call-in # 1-800-944-8766, code 73162
Chat with an Expert for Moms (every Wednesday at 12pm EST)
Chart with an Expert for Dads (first Monday of each month at 8pm EST)
Online Support Groups that are facilitated weekly. For more information and schedule visit: www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
Queens University Psychology Clinic
"The Perinatal Mental Health Service will provide psychological services for new and expecting parents focused on mental health and well-being. We will primarily offer evidence-based group programs, with some limited opportunities for individual therapy for clients in our service, if indicated. The overarching goal is prevention and early intervention during this critical transition period for parents, to ultimately support family well-being and mental health."
Self-Compassion Guided Meditation and Exercises
Dr. Kristin Neff
WE WELCOME ALL FAMILIES