Tag: postpartum anxiety

Perinatal Health and the Role of Osteopathy: Enhancing Well-being for Mother and Baby

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Jillian Bechtold M.OMSc, rKin, BSc
Owner of JB Osteopathy ltd.

The time surrounding pregnancy and the initial year after giving birth, known as the perinatal period, is a significant and delicate stage for both parents and their babies. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and optimal health of both the birthing parent and child during this pivotal phase, as it can have long-lasting effects on their overall health.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on the overall health of an individual. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners view the body as a whole complex structure, where optimal function relies on proper movement and alignment of its components. It is also recognizing that the body has innate self-regulating and self-healing mechanisms. This means that the job of an osteopathic manual practitioner is to aid in re-establishing proper body mechanics and circulation so the body can function as it was intended. When it comes to perinatal health, osteopathy can play a significant role in several ways:

1. Relieving Pregnancy-Related Discomfort: Pregnancy often brings about various physical changes, including postural adjustments, hormonal shifts, and increased strain on the musculoskeletal system. Gentle techniques can relieve tension, improve joint mobility, and realign the body, thereby reducing pain and enhancing overall comfort. A few common discomforts seen in clinic are back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg fatigue, and plantar fasciitis.

2. Preparing the Body for Labor & Promoting Optimal Fetal Positioning: Osteopathic techniques can help prepare the body for labor by optimizing pelvic alignment and mobility. By ensuring proper alignment and balance within the pelvis and surrounding structures, osteopathy can enhance the baby’s positioning for birth and potentially contribute to smoother delivery and reduce the need for interventions.

3. Enhancing Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage: Osteopathy supports optimal blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. By improving these processes, osteopathic treatment may help reduce swelling, edema, and the risk of conditions such as varicose veins.

4. Facilitating Breathing and Relaxation: Osteopathic techniques that focus on the rib cage and diaphragm can improve respiratory function and promote relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for expectant parents who may experience shortness of breath due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the diaphragm.

5. Supporting Postpartum Recovery: Postpartum recovery involves restoring the body’s strength, function, and overall well-being after childbirth. Osteopathy can aid in this process by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, promoting optimal healing, and providing support for the body as it adjusts to the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Torn and strained tissue requires healthy blood flow for proper healing and carrying around a tiny human all day certainly takes its toll on the back, shoulders, and neck.

6. Addressing Infant Health Concerns: Osteopathic techniques can address common conditions such as colic, reflux, feeding difficulties, gassiness, and sleep disturbances. By gently manipulating and rebalancing the infant’s body, osteopaths can help promote better physiological function and overall well-being. Even if all is well, I recommend an osteopathic appointment for a general checkup to make sure the child’s anatomy is moving and functioning as it should and to bring peace of mind to the parents.

Osteopathy recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and emotions. By alleviating the physical pain and thereby reducing the levels of stress hormones, it can help individuals experience an improved overall well-being and better sense of ease in the bodies. Moreover, enhancing circulation and reducing muscle tension can encourage better oxygenation and nutrient supply to the brain which can have a positive impact on mood, cognition, and emotional resilience. Not to mention, if parent and child are comfortable, they are more likely to have quality sleep and a happier disposition overall.

JB Osteopathy ltd. is a family centered osteopathy practice located in the Victoria park area of Kitchener. The “Newborn Osteo Care Initiative” was created to normalize preventive care from an early age in order to ensure that infants have a strong and healthy foundation. This initiative provides free initial osteopathic appointments to newborns within the first month of life. More information about this program can be found at www.jbosteopathy.com.

The Other Half: Perinatal Mental Health Services for Dads & Partners

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By Rochelle Kaikai, MSW, RSW
www.rootedthistlecounselling.com
Serving Kitchener & Ontario

Parenthood is a transformative experience involving many twists and turns. When parents are tasked with caring for little ones, they often go through a period of turbulence as they adjust to the changes. Suddenly they must put their own needs aside and prioritize the needs of the baby. Ordinary tasks such as hygiene, eating well, doing the laundry, and getting a full night of sleep often become difficult to achieve. This may leave parents feeling disoriented and disconnected from who they once were. Feelings of disorientation are not exclusive to either moms or dads. Both parents are faced with change that may make them more vulnerable to loss of identity, stress, and even the development of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). 

In the past, much of the research about perinatal mental health focused on birthing moms. We now know that dads, partners, and non-birthing parents are also at risk of developing a PMAD. Postpartum Support International states 1 in 10 dads develop postpartum depression and approximately 18% develop an anxiety disorder in the perinatal period. It is likely these numbers are even higher, as many attempt to cope in silence. This information is not widely shared or known, leaving dads and partners vulnerable to stigma and reduced access to support. 

It is important we as a collective open up the conversation about perinatal mental health to include all parents. Parents who feel supported and seen are better able to access resources in the community to assist them in navigating this vulnerable stage of life. Although the experiences of dads and moms are not the same, the common thread of disorientation in the perinatal period binds them together. Mental health services that focus on the family as a unit are critical. Adjusting to change is difficult for all parents. Each member of the family deserves space to process this change and reorient themselves. 

Rooted Thistle Counselling is committed to offering mental health services to dads, moms, and partners in all stages of parenthood. Dads and partners can access both individual and group therapy services with Rooted Thistle Counselling. We recognize the importance of feeling seen and understood and believe this important work happens through connection. Although parenthood can be disorienting at times, it presents moms and dads with a unique opportunity to expand aspects of their identity and uncover resiliency they did not know they had. If you or someone you know is looking for support, please pass along our information. Together we can keep the conversation going. 

The Connection Between Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Postpartum Mental Health

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Beth Halford DPT, B.Kin, FCAMPT, CAFCI
KW Pelvic Health
kwpelvichealth.com

The journey of parenthood is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Many parents experience physical changes and discomfort after giving birth, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles. However, what is often overlooked is the significant impact these physical changes can have on a mother’s mental health. In recent years, the field of pelvic floor physiotherapy has emerged as a promising solution for addressing both the physical and mental aspects of postpartum recovery. 

While the joy of having a new baby is undeniable, many parents experience a range of emotions during this time, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These mental health challenges can be attributed to a combination of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical discomfort, and the challenges of adjusting to a new role as a mother.

Physical changes, particularly those related to the pelvic floor, can have a profound impact on a birthing person’s mental health postpartum. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the organs within the pelvis and maintaining urinary and bowel control. During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles undergo significant stress and can become weakened or damaged. Common pelvic floor issues include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. These physical challenges can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and a loss of confidence, exacerbating the risk of developing postpartum mental health issues.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on assessing and treating the pelvic floor muscles. Trained physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and education, to address pelvic floor dysfunction and promote optimal recovery. While the primary goal of pelvic floor physiotherapy is to restore pelvic floor function, it can have a significant positive impact on postpartum mental health as well. Here’s how:

Restoring Physical Function:

  • By addressing pelvic floor issues such as incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor physiotherapy helps birthing people regain control over their bodies. This restoration of physical function can improve self-esteem, body image, and overall confidence, positively influencing mental well-being.

Empowering Self-Care:

  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy educates parents about their bodies and provides them with the tools and knowledge to manage their pelvic health independently. Empowering parents to take an active role in their recovery can boost their sense of agency and control, reducing anxiety and promoting mental resilience.

Pain Management:

  • Postpartum pelvic pain is not uncommon and can significantly impact a birthing person’s quality of life. Pelvic floor physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy and relaxation exercises, can help alleviate pain and discomfort. By reducing physical pain, parents can experience improved emotional well-being and a decreased risk of developing postpartum depression or anxiety.

Stress Reduction:

  • Engaging in pelvic floor exercises and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm. By incorporating mindfulness and breathing exercises into pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions, parents can learn valuable stress management strategies that can benefit their mental health beyond the clinic.

The journey of postpartum recovery involves both physical and mental healing. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these aspects is crucial for holistic well-being. Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a vital role in addressing physical challenges and improving postpartum mental health.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected]

Chapter 4

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By Sophie

As someone who lives with stage four bilateral endometriosis, I am no stranger to anxiety and depression. My journey to motherhood was fraught with surgery, clinical appointments, loss, risk in pregnancy, a slow postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding challenges. All these experiences, on top of my daily struggle with chronic pain led to an even more stressed mental state.

After the births of my son (now 7) and daughter (now 1), I struggled to cope. Even though I had access to a trusted counselor, loving partner, supportive family, and friends, I struggled. Still today, the demands of my disease and the NEED to care for my own body, are often at war with the needs of my children. I am learning that you can have all the support in the world, and still struggle with your mental health.

I often think: “If only I try harder, do more, I can push past the way I am feeling”. The truth is, we need to feel these feelings, with the right supports in place. We need to hold them close, not push them away. In fact, we may never push past the way we are feeling. Mental health isn’t about getting over something, it’s about learning to live safely with the what ifs, the down days and the panic.

The challenges around motherhood are deeply systemic, starting at the beginning, with how those of us with reproductive-related disease are treated in the health system, how postpartum bodies are NOT supported and how women are often expected to put aside their needs for EVERYONE else.

My story comes from a place of privilege. I am a cis-gender white woman surrounded by friends and family who support me. Imagine the postpartum experience of those who aren’t in the same position. I’m not yet out of the darkness. Some days are tough, and I want to be someplace else. I often wonder if I made the right choice having children. Is it supposed to be this hard? Or is it just hard for me? While I may not love being a mom every day, I do love my kids, and that is what matters most.

Chapter 3

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by Anneke VB

I have four kids. During all pregnancies and postpartum I was flagged as showing signs of depression. I wasn’t surprised; depression is something I had been familiar with. It was just always there, especially during the first 10 years that I was in Canada. As an immigrant, I had a hard time fitting in, and unsure how to access the resources I needed. I didn’t have a community, and though my husband is my best friend: he really was all I had.

Two years after first arriving in Canada, I got pregnant. It was planned, but I couldn’t have been less prepared emotionally. I was 26 and I hadn’t given parenting much thought, but I winged it. Child is 14 now, still alive and without major trauma, child says. In the following years, I just went from pregnancy to postpartum, always was screened and found to be scoring slightly too high on the (flawed) Edinburgh scale. A doctor would mention something about looking after myself, and that was it. I didn’t give it much thought, as I plodded along.

It wasn’t until my last one when things started to feel off for me. One of my earliest memories of postpartum with my 4th is what I now refer to as headlice day. It was the first day of winter break, and I had found headlice in all the kids’ hair, my husband’s and my own. It’s a rite of passage for most family with young kids, but it couldn’t have come at a worse day for my family.

With my husband having to work overtime, I spent the whole day doing headlice treatments, the nasty chemical kind. I was exhausted, which is to be expected 3 weeks postpartum from a c-section, and baby had to spend a lot of time unhappy in their crib. It was (and still is) the longest day of my life.
Once it was time for me to give myself treatment, I had given up. While the kids maybe had a few headlice here and there, my hair was literally full of them. I saw no other way out then cutting all my hair off, and giving myself a treatment, while husband put the kids to bed, way after their bedtime. There are benefits to wearing a head scarf and rarely having visitors. Nobody asked me a question.

While headlice day was an exhausting day for good reason, I never really recovered mentally. I was already not doing great after baby was born, but now I literally felt myself spiraling. I didn’t enjoy life and didn’t enjoy being me. My doctor got me on a waiting list for counselling, as we didn’t have insurance and due to our financial situation, we didn’t have many other options. I didn’t want medication, as I thought it too complicated, and I had no energy to research the options to make a well-informed decision.

Early March I had to drive my child to a birthday party, and while navigating traffic with 4 kids, I thought how much easier it would be if I just had an accident. I can’t say it was a scary thought, as it wasn’t. It felt like an option that I felt rather intrigued by.

After that day, slowly things got better. I started to realize that I had options and that felt very liberating. With the warmer weather I was able to get out more, which was only getting easier with baby getting older. Counselling had started and while I never thought it particularly helpful, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my life and who I was beyond being a parent.

By summer, things had much improved, though it wasn’t really until I started working a part time job 10 months postpartum, that things really started to change. Work brought (and brings) me so much joy and I love what I am doing. An important part of my work now is to share my experiences as an immigrant parent with perinatal depression, but also to create services that support parents who are situations like I was. I did it (mostly) alone, but parents shouldn’t have to. There are so many resources out there now. Please, ask for help. It is the most courageous thing you can do for yourself.

Chapter 2

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by Catherine M

My journey with Perinatal Mental Health includes a pre-existing mental health condition diagnosed in childhood (OCD) that had been managed for decades before I got pregnant. I wasn’t educated on how pregnancy and postpartum could affect my experience of OCD. Nor was I educated to know that in becoming a parent I would experience increasing and challenging sensory overstimulation. It would leave me feeling like my skin was aching daily, and my ears would ring and throb to the point of making sleep difficult. With my first pregnancy and birth, I was fortunate at the time to live in Toronto and receive care after my first was born. When I gave birth to my second in Waterloo Region, I realized how few supports were available once outside an urban community.

I once made a list of all the people I thought could raise my first child for me, because the weight of the responsibility sent me spiraling into a cyclone of intrusive thoughts, every hour of every day. I was certain I had made a horrible mistake and that I wasn’t supposed to be raising him. Instead of sleeping, I listed all the people that I could ask to take him for me. And that if I was lucky, it would be someone in my family so I would still get to be a part of his life, see him grow up. I was heartbroken and lost, more than I had ever been in my life or in my experience of my disorder up until then.

I still struggle. I will always struggle. I know this. That doesn’t mean I’m a mess every day, but some days I definitely can be. I have never loved anything more in my life than my children. And though that is a gift I get to live every day, it can also turn to fear and terror very quickly.

I am a white, female passing, womyn who lives within a circle of privilege – including a strong community and support system around me. Imagine those who aren’t the same position.

Chapter 1

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by Lisette W

Postpartum hit me like a brick. On the outside I was happy, keeping it together. Inside I felt like I was drowning. So much doubt. So much self-loathing.

My first’s birth was traumatic, followed by a NICU stay where we fell through the cracks of support and had to find our way ourselves. Add the struggle to breastfeed and I was gone.

I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety. I was screaming at a three week old. I would snap with sudden rage at a little baby who thought I was her whole world. I didn’t want to be her mom. I wanted to run away. There must be someone out there who can love and care for her more than me. Better than me.

This side of parenthood isn’t talked about. The ugly side where you’re at the door with your keys wondering where you could go that isn’t here. The feelings of utter failure because you’re incapable of nursing – the thing everyone notes as natural and easy. Being surrounded by people but not knowing how to ask for help that’s helpful. Surrounded by people but grasping for sanity.

Thankfully I was able to start seeing a therapist who specialized in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and got onto medication. I am a much better mom for my kids when I take care of my needs first.

Birth Trauma and the Pelvic Floor

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Nadia Qahwash
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Encompass Health & Wellness
https://www.encompasshealth.ca/

As a Pelvic Health physiotherapist, I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful birthing parents who have had the courage to share their birthing stories with me. These stories vary from positive experiences to extremely distressing, negative stories that have left these parents feeling alien to themselves, their bodies and their minds.

The postpartum stage in a birthing parent’s life can be both a mental and physical struggle that makes it difficult for one to function in their daily social life and relationships. They are dealing with hormonal changes, caring for a tiny human that relies heavily on them, and mentally trying to process the traumatic experience that labour and delivery can sometimes create.

Through my experience as a pelvic health physiotherapist, the best way to approach these stories is with a listening ear, empathy and stepping back to look at the person as whole, and what they may need. Trying to understand their traumatic birthing experience is the first step in a pelvic physiotherapy assessment. What is important to highlight here, is that some of the physical symptoms these patients present with in my office, can often be linked to the trauma they have gone through. Although you can gather some information from an internal vaginal exam during an assessment, it is not always the best route to take with patients who have experienced birth trauma or any other trauma for that matter. I rarely will do an internal assessment on an individual who is clearly still processing their emotions about the trauma they have endured. The whole premise of the assessment in these particular cases would be to calm the central nervous system using various breath work techniques that reduce tension in the muscles and develop a trust between you and the patient. At some point an internal examination may be completed only when the patient feels ready and with their consent. During the internal examination, I am making note of any tension or trigger points internally. I am also checking the strength and endurance of the muscle, and how these muscles respond to touch.

In most cases, birthing parents require additional help from other health care professionals, such as a licensed counselor. This may help sort out some of the lasting effects of the trauma they have experienced and help these patients move forward in the healthiest way possible. I often will refer my patients to a trauma counselor and work alongside them in order to provide the best patient centered care.

Every birth trauma story is very different and perceived differently by the individual. It is important to listen carefully to the story, the language used to describe their birth story and their current mental state in order to help accordingly.

If you are someone who has continued to struggle to mentally process your traumatic experience during birth, remember that you are not alone and that there is help out there!

Support Makes a Difference: Doula Care and Perinatal Mental Health

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Kirsten Carney, Grace Van Bruwaene, and Geraldine Tait
https://www.circledoulacare.ca/

It feels pretty straightforward to say that having support makes a difference to how we feel about ourselves and how we navigate life events. Describing what this support looks like and how it can affect our experiences can feel a bit stickier. To examine the qualities of effective support and illustrate its impact, we drew from our own experiences in birth and postpartum life. All three of us described our second (and third) births as more positive than our first births. We understood that our own increased knowledge and personal growth were factors in this improvement. At the same time, we identified the presence of dedicated support people as being instrumental to the change in experience.

Our first babies entered the world in ways that left us struggling to cope. Some of the words that came to mind when describing this time were “overwhelming”, “scary”, and “dehumanizing”. Doctors rushed through procedures with barely an explanation. This left an information gap that undermined our attempts to grasp what was happening to our bodies and our babies. We felt ashamed of our apparent inability to do such natural things as birthing and feeding our babies. We felt scared of the unknown and dismissed as autonomous humans. From this level of vulnerability, we struggled to speak up for ourselves. Coming up with options seemed daunting, and we felt trapped in the healthcare system funnel. It was easy to catastrophize these challenging feelings as well. We felt like we failed right out of the gate, and we feared subjecting our babies to more failures. Surrounded by these whirlwinds of emotion and activity, we were thrown into the position of being fully responsible for our babies once home. These experiences all fell under one common theme: feeling de-centred in our own perinatal journeys.

For all of us, our first children sparked a journey of learning, but it was one born out of fear, stress, and rage. We didn’t just dip our toes into the pool of knowledge, we dove in obsessively. Let down by care providers, we felt forced to learn and do everything ourselves. The pressure was immense; we couldn’t trust anyone else to take care of us and our families. Because of all our research and reflection, though, when it came to having second babies, we made different choices and preparations. Some of us changed care providers and two of us chose to hire a doula.

“Hopeful”, “in control”, “empowered”: these were the words we chose to describe our second journeys through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum life. We had a better idea of what to expect from the healthcare system, ourselves, and our babies. We also had an understanding that these were challenging, layered, and personal experiences. With this lens, we didn’t feel like failures, but rather, like people trying their best at a new thing. In addition to these internal shifts, we also had effective external support. Our doulas were there for us and our families. They always checked in with us to see how we felt about what was happening, and the conversations grew from there. They accepted our lived experience as valid, and offered us a safe space in which to share our big scary feelings. Being heard and accepted in this way was affirming, and gave us confidence to keep talking and asking questions. When faced with a decision, our doulas provided us with information and helped us come up with a range of options. They facilitated informed decision-making, which empowered us in our relationships with primary healthcare providers. As Kirsten said, “I felt like I had more of a right to talk about what I wanted and needed. I didn’t care if they liked me or if I was being the perfect patient; I was going to have the experience I wanted.” With this support, we were able to reframe the whole situation, keeping ourselves firmly grounded in the centre. The healthcare system was one part of the story: we now could listen to their options and seek their advice, and we could also access further resources, make informed decisions, and discuss our feelings with our partners and support people. Moving from a place of hearing “no, but” to a place of saying “yes, and” took us from fear to empowerment.

Recent research on doulas and continuous support indicates many benefits, including shorter labours, reduced interventions, and lower postpartum depression. (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/) Evidence also suggests that doula support during labour can lower rates of indicated and non-indicated cesarean delivery, reducing medical costs and risks to the birthing person. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5538578/) At the same time, there is a significant unmet demand for doulas. The main barrier to access, not surprisingly, is the out-of-pocket expense. Additional barriers include but are not limited to: geographical distance from professional support people, lack of understanding of doula support from partners or family members, and lack of culturally or linguistically aligned support. (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6/full) It’s important to recognize that many of these barriers have been created as a direct result of the colonization of birthwork and subsequent doula training industrial complex—from which we ourselves benefit. We feel strongly that doulas, birthworkers, and support people must operate with transparency, accountability, and sustainability with the goal of resisting white supremacy culture. We must incorporate community care/mutual aid, intersectionality, and anti-racism into our practices, and we must aim to provide inclusive and accessible services. We must also recognize that this is an ongoing process of unlearning and relearning, and it is our hope that this work extends to all birthworkers who benefit from systems founded in and catering to white, heteronormative privilege.

Between our lived experiences and the research, we strongly believe that doula support that upholds self-determination is vital to perinatal mental wellness. Effective doulas practice with the awareness that one-size-fits-all often ends up being one-size-fits-none. Consequently, they must continually centre the feelings and experiences of the people and families they are supporting. Not only is a supported experience less likely to lead to birth and postpartum trauma, doulas can also help families properly identify the challenges they are facing, become aware of their options, and put together a plan that works best for them. This process allows for more of their clients’ needs to be met, leading to improved mental and physical outcomes and a better experience overall.

Circle Doula Care logo. Circle with "Circle" written inside. Doula Care Supporting You Completely written underneath

Community Support Groups – A different approach to Perinatal Mental Health

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Anneke van den Berg
Peer Health Worker
www.ourplacekw.ca

Feeling lonely is a feeling many perinatal parents identify with. Nothing is lonelier than being up with a fussy baby in the middle of the night, while you are exhausted and in tears yourself. Lonely is different than being alone. We can experience loneliness, even if there are people physically around us and these people might even be people we love. In this Pandemic, the physical presence of people is, of course, a bit more complicated. The current situation definitely has fueled the feelings of isolation, but is hardly unique to our Pandemic reality. It is sometimes hard for perinatal parents to understand that perinatal mental health struggles aren’t unique to the Pandemic either.

Loneliness is really about the absence of people with whom we can be authentically ourselves, with all the messy emotions, all the feelings and the hurt. Isolation, experienced by so many parents right now, is about not being seen, and not feeling supported.

While the support network of perinatal parents might have great ideas on how to feel better, it often overlooks the true nature of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). When one is struggling with a PMAD, advice just doesn’t cut it. Life with a PMAD is a rollercoaster, and while a good night’s sleep might make one feel better, there are going to be days when life just really sucks, whatever the circumstances. PMADs are unpredictable and exhausting.

Many parents coming to our perinatal support program feel that there is something wrong with them. “Why am I not able to enjoy this stage of my life? I wanted to be a parent!” “I do not even know if I really love my baby, I’m looking forward to every minute that I can be without them.” It is not until they join a program and talk to other parents that they realize these feelings are more typical than they’d ever thought. Normalizing the big feelings, and the intrusive thoughts, is most effective in a group. Nothing beats a room nodding and responding “me too,” when one is sharing their feelings of hopelessness or despair. Realizing that one is not alone in feeling one way or another, is liberating and it creates an instant connection. It immediately makes one feel less lonely.

Peer programs aren’t usually thought of as a treatment plan for PMADs, and we would never claim it is a treatment by itself. However, we do know, that for many participants Stork Secrets, our peer program focused on perinatal mental health, has made a world of difference. As one participant said: “I have used many supports throughout my perinatal journey, however, I have found the supports and resources offered in the peer program most supportive.”

What are peer programs and why do they make such a difference for many new or expecting parents? Peer programs at their core put a lot of value on lived experience. At Stork Secrets, the peer facilitators have had their struggles with perinatal mental health, and are willing and able to share some of this in program. In addition, peer programs are about meeting the needs of participants. Unlike many other programs in the community, peer programs do not follow a set curriculum and topics are decided upon within in the group. The facilitator is not a leader or instructor, and responding to the needs of the participants is crucial for the peer model to work.

At Stork Secrets we have made the conscious decision to welcome parents with perinatal mental health struggles from point of conception until up to two years after birth. We understand that perinatal mental health can affect lives of parents even beyond that, but two years seems to feel like the most natural cut-off point for our program. We also welcome adoptive parents, recognizing that PMADs can occur in adoptive parents as well, just like birth parents and their partners. We also recognize that most perinatal parents are not actively looking to get a formal diagnosis, even though they would self-identify to be struggling with Postpartum Anxiety, for example. Some other parents just want the support on their perinatal mental health journey, without labelling this as a PMAD. While a lot of Stork Secrets talks about PMADs, we generally just refer to it as perinatal mental health, understanding that parents are joining this program because they are looking for support.

Can people feel this connection and support virtually, just like they would do in person? We recognize that online programming is not for everyone, and confidentiality is definitely challenging online. On the other hand, virtual programs have made our programs more accessible for parents of very young babies and parents who have limited access to public transportation. We also see more parents trickling in from beyond Waterloo Region. There are both upsides and downsides to virtual programming, but it is definitely something we will continue to explore in the future. In recent program evaluations at Our Place, many participants actually said that they have felt more supported through virtual peer programs in the Pandemic, than ever before. Who’d have thought?

How PMADs are experienced can be very different, even if the diagnosis is the same. Loneliness and isolation, however, is something most of the new and expecting parents have in common. Finding safe spaces, like community groups and peer support programs, can make a world of difference on their road of recovery. Group-based programs offer a sounding board, and a place to share your experiences and thoughts. It is a place where you can hear: “Me too.” Peer workers, especially, can tell you that PMADs are something one can overcome. It might be dark, gloomy and anxiety-inducing right now, but you are not alone, and there is a bright world ahead of you. It will get better, and until then, there are others to support you.