Resources
Birth Trauma
Anyone who has experienced labour and delivery has a story to share! For some, their birth story includes the expected ups and downs resulting in a healthy baby and all is forgotten. For some the birth experience leaves a more traumatic effect.
A Mothers Day
Mother’s Day . . . a day of celebration for some, while for others it may be a day of sadness, grief and loss. When I think of Mother’s Day, I think of two very polarized experiences; one being celebratory while the other is somewhat mourning. Whatever your experience may be, Mother’s Day might require you to take a moment to reflect and dial into your needs.
Podcasts
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety can feel so scary, especially if you didn't anticipate it and it caught you off guard. Join Rita Girn, a Perinatal Mental Health Clinician and I for an in-depth discussion about what signs to watch for and what steps to take if you have concerns.
Birth Trauma Recovery
Birth Trauma is more common than you might think, and it's impacts can range in severity and duration. It also can occur for partners, supports and medical-assisting staff. Rita Girn, a Perinatal Mental Health Clinician, walks us through the work she does with clients who have experienced birth trauma.
Emergency support
British ColumbiaVancouver Island Crisis Line
People at the Vancouver Island Crisis Society are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen in a non-judgemental way and give you appropriate resources if you want them)
24-hour crisis line: 1-888-494-3888 (24/7)
1 800 SUICIDE Line
Here to provide guidance to those experiencing suicidal thoughts through skilled suicide assessment, de-escalation, intervention, referrals, and short-term support.
1 800 SUICIDE Line: 1-800-784-2433 (24/7)
310 Mental Health Support
Answering your call to provide empowering emotional support, information about appropriate resources and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
310 Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (24/7)
General Mental Health Resources
Anxiety BC
604.525.7566
Mood Disorders Association of BC
604.873.0103
Greater Vancouver Crisis Centre
604.872.3311
BC NurseLine
8-1-1
Ministry of Health – Mental Health and Addictions
Redbook Online
(community, government and social services in BC)
Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health
BC Reproductive Mental Health Program
You will need a referral from your OB or family doctor
Postpartum Support International
Tools for moms, resources for self-care and self-assessment for moms
Pacific Postpartum Support Society
604.255.7999
Telephone support, weekly women's support groups, partner education sessions, community trainings and resource materials for women experiencing postpartum mental health issues)
PostpartumDepression.org
A U.S. based website about PPD that offers information on symptoms, treatment, support, and features a blog and stories of hope from other parents who have experienced PPD.
Maternal Mental Health NOW
Information on maternal depression and anxiety for women and their loved ones, health care providers and women's health advocates.
Medication Safety In Pregnancy
InfantRisk Center
Providing up-to-date evidence-based information on the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding
MotherRisk
Information about medication taken during pregnancy and while breastfeeding and how it may impact the baby
Sleep
Tuck has some great articles about the impact of sleep on mental health.
Infant Health
Cord Blood Banking - Provides the latest up-to-date information and free resources for expecting parents.