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Postpartum Support for Families

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Public health nurses offer postpartum services to you and your family by providing:

  • A physical assessment of the birthing parent and newborn
  • Support for coping with the emotional adjustment to parenting
  • information on breastfeeding, nutrition, safety in the home and other topics of interest
  • information about or referral to other services that could support you in your parenting journey
  • reassurance that you are on the right track

Postpartum Depression

Many expecting parents can experience a wide range of emotions, including ‘baby blues‘. Baby blues usually begins a few days after childbirth and improves within a couple of weeks. Up to 75% of new mothers experience the baby blues.

How do I know I have postpartum depression?

  • Strong feelings of sadness or emptiness
  • Constant fatigue (even after resting)
  • Trouble falling asleep or wanting to sleep all the time
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Feeling hopeless, trapped or worthless
  • Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or out of control
  • Worrying a lot about your baby’s health or safety
  • No interest or pleasure in your baby
  • Scary thoughts or fears about harming the baby

Postpartum depression is treatable

Sometimes parents feel continued anxiety and/or depression. Counseling, medication and support are helpful in treating postpartum depression. A healthcare provider can help you find the right supports and services for your situation.

Where to get help

If these feelings continue or worsen, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. If this is the case, there are many places to get help:

Resources

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