In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs). These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, often with tragic and long-term consequences to both mother and child.
Raising awareness, and starting the discussion about maternal mental health are important steps in alleviating the stigma many mothers feel.
Please consider signing the petition calling on the World Health Assembly and the UN World Health Organisation to officially recognize World Maternal Mental Health Day (WMMH Day), to be commemorated annually on the first Wednesday of May at calling on the World Health Assembly and the UN World Health Organisation to officially recognize World Maternal Mental Health Day (WMMH Day), to be commemorated annually on the first Wednesday of May.
Sing the petition: WMMH Day – World Maternal Mental Health awareness day (postpartum.net)
It’s normal to go through an adjustment period after childbirth – new mothers experience many different emotions.
Women anticipate feelings of happiness with the birth of their babies. But many new mothers are surprised by other common feelings such as sadness, anger, fear or anxiety.
Up to 75 per cent of new mothers experience the “baby blues.” The baby blues are part of the adjustment to childbirth and usually begin a few days after birth and often go away on their own by two weeks.
During the baby blues women may feel weepy, overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, fatigued and have trouble sleeping.
If these feelings don’t go away or get worse you may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety (from Postpartum Depression – Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (wrha.mb.ca))
If you are someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
For more information, visit:
- www.postpartum.org
- www.postpartum.net
- https://camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/postpartum-depression
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-5.html#a4.1
- https://camh.ca/-/media/files/ppd_clinical_overview-pdf.pdf
- https://www.postpartum.net/canada/
- https://www.postpartum.net/news/maternal-mental-health-month/
Where to get help
- Talk to your Public Health Nurse (call 204-926-7000 to find your Public Health Nurse)
- Talk to your doctor, midwife or other healthcare provider (If you do not have a doctor call the Family Doctor Connection Program at
204-786-7111) - For information about resources and supports call the Women’s Health Clinic Mothers Program at 204-947-2422 ext. 113 or visit womenshealthclinic.org
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or are in crisis:
- Go to the WRHA Crisis Response Centre at 817 Bannatyne Avenue or call WRHA Mobile Crisis Service at 204-940-1781(24 hours/7 days a week)
- Call the Klinic Community Health Centre Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days a week) at 204-786-8686
- Call the Manitoba Suicide Line (24 hours/7 days a week) at 1-877-435-7170
If you need help finding resources call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or visit the Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba website at www.ppdmanitoba.ca