Postpartum & Perinatal Well-being 

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Close Up Of Father Holding Newborn Baby Son In Nursery

Pregnancy and childbirth can be life-changing for women and their partners. Coping with change isn't always easy and it is normal to experience a mix of emotions. We can provide resources and support, for women and their families who may be experiencing perinatal mental health concerns. Please reach out if you, or someone you know, are having concerns.

Moms Over Matter is a free online tool that helps parents check in on how they are feeling after having a baby. It asks a few simple questions and shares helpful information and support for things like feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed. It was made by healthcare experts and can help parents find the right support when they need it.

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Perinatal mental health means how a parent feels emotionally and mentally during pregnancy and after the baby is born (up to about one year after birth).

During this time, it is normal to have many different feelings. Some parents may feel happy and excited, while others may feel sad, worried, stressed, or overwhelmed. These feelings can change often.

Perinatal mental health is about noticing these feelings and getting support if things start to feel too hard or last a long time. Getting help can make a big difference for both the parent and their baby.

Perinatal mental health disorders 

Some of the most common perinatal mood, anxiety and related disorders include:   

  • Depression  
  • Anxiety  
  • Psychosis  
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  
  • Bipolar disorder  
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)  
  • Eating disorder   

Postpartum depression and anxiety are among the most common mood disorders that affect mothers in the prenatal and postpartum periods. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 1 in 4 mothers who recently gave birth reported symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety and 1 in 10 fathers reported similar symptoms. 

Every woman is different, but if you experience persistent and increasingly severe symptoms listed below, please consult a healthcare provider:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Intense irritability and/or anger
  • Increasing sadness or lack of joy (in things that previously brought you joy)
  • Intense feelings of shame, guilt or being inadequate
  • Severe mood swings
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawal from family or friends
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

There are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a perinatal mood disorder. If you have experienced any of the risk factors below, we encourage you to reach out to a healthcare provider for support.

  • History of mental health illness
  • Perinatal loss or pregnancy/childbirth complications
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Adverse childhood events
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Adolescent pregnancy
  • Substance use
  • Poor social support

Many women experience the baby blues. This involves mild, temporary feelings of sadness, fatigue, and irritability. These feelings appear within the first few days after childbirth and typically resolve within 2 weeks, without impacting the mother's daily function. 

If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks, worsen or affect daily functioning, please reach out to a healthcare provider and let your partner or family know, as something more serious may be going on. More information.

Our public health nurses are trained to assess symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders using evidence-based tools. We provide support and referrals when appropriate for mothers and all caregivers. Your healthcare provider should always be consulted if there are mental health concerns. 

If you or someone you know has feelings of harming themself or their baby, call 911 or seek immediate attention at the nearest Emergency Department. 

Remember: you are not alone and it is not your fault. There is hope and there is help.

Contact any of the resources on this page if you are concerned about yourself or someone else.

Fathers and partners can experience role transitions, relationship changes and potential career or financial stress that can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Some symptoms may include:

  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Guilt 
  • Addiction 

For more information:

Caring for yourself and baby 

This free guide developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada provides information on topics such as caring for yourself and your own health after pregnancy, taking care of your growing baby and your family’s health and providing information and support for pregnancy and infant loss. The full resource can be accessed here: PHAC Guide to Postpartum Health (PDF).

Contraception 

We can help you learn about which methods are compatible with breastfeeding, which ones are available locally and which one might be the best for you.

For more information about the many methods of contraception, visit It's a Plan or GEPH's Sexual Health Clinic.  

Resources 

  • SOAR Community Services: Offers services to people in Brantford, Brant and Haldimand for addiction and mental health. 24 hour Crisis Line 1-866-811-7188 / General inquiries: 519-759-8830  
  • Southcoast Wellness Haldimand and Norfolk: 24 hour mental health services for all ages. Crisis line: 1-866-487-2278 
  • MCFN Mental Health Unit: Individual or group counselling support for children and adults. MCFN Mental Health Unit: Individual or group counselling support for children and adults.  905-768-1181
  • Woodview Mental Health Services: Provides free, confidential in-person or virtual appointments for youth (under 18) and families. No health card or referral is required.