Postpartum Mental Health

Postpartum Depression

1 in 5 mothers will have a postpartum mood disorder. You are not alone. It is not your fault. There is hope. There is help. Contact the health unit or any of the contacts listed below if you are concerned about yourself or someone else. It is especially important to monitor if you are experiencing these or other symptoms for two weeks or longer:

Loss of appetite
Overwhelming fatigue or insomnia
Intense irritability and anger
Lack of joy in life
Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
Severe mood swings
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Resources

Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network It is important to have help when coping with loss. Know that you aren’t alone. PAIL Network provides free resources, support services and information.
Norfolk Prenatal & Newborn Health Program 519-582-2323 ext. 282
Women’s Health Concerns Clinic Hamilton 905-522-1155 ext. 33979
Your health care provider (family physician, midwife, nurse, OB/GYN, psychiatrist, private therapist)
CAST (Crisis Assessment and Support Team) 1-866-487-2278 (24 hrs)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Haldimand-Norfolk Branch 1-888-750-7778
Any hospital, by phone or in-person at the Emergency Department